Bourbon County officials are taking significant steps to address employee health insurance funding concerns following a recent commission meeting on September 29, 2025. The commission discussed a proposed increase of $137,000 to the employee benefits fund, aimed at ensuring adequate coverage as claims have risen to 95% of the fund's capacity.
During the meeting, concerns were raised about the sustainability of the current budget, particularly regarding employee health insurance. The commission acknowledged the need for a careful review of the budget to avoid "budget creep," a term used to describe the gradual increase in spending without corresponding revenue growth. The discussion highlighted the importance of making informed decisions about tax levies and spending, with some commissioners advocating for a more conservative approach to budgeting.
The commission also addressed the process of submitting the final budget to the state, which must be completed by January. The county clerk confirmed that the budget documents could be sent in either PDF or Excel format, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders.
In addition to budget discussions, the meeting included a contentious debate over road maintenance and the historical status of certain roads in the county. A request was made to review documentation regarding the maintenance of a specific road, with some commissioners expressing frustration over past inaction and the need for clarity in the decision-making process.
As Bourbon County moves forward, the focus will remain on balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of employees and the community. The commission plans to revisit the employee benefits discussion in the coming weeks, aiming to finalize decisions that will impact the county's financial health and employee welfare.