Henry County fiscal court votes to dissolve Economic Development Council, orders asset dispersal

Henry County Fiscal Court voted Feb. 13 to dissolve the Henry County Economic Development Council and directed that the council’s monetary assets be distributed to one or more tax‑exempt nonprofit organizations, a motion introduced at the meeting said.

The dissolution motion stated that the council “has become an overnight and destructive” body over the past 12 to 18 months and no longer represents the county on policy matters. The motion directed that the fiscal court distribute the council’s remaining monetary assets to one or more tax‑exempt nonprofit organizations and specified that remaining assets should be divided evenly between Campbellsburg and an ambulance service, if applicable.

The measure drew public comment from council members and residents during the meeting. Amy Charles, identified in the record as a leader with the Henry County Economic Development Council, said the council has no authority over the fiscal court and that the EDC board would address the court’s action. “This board has no authority over the Henry County Economic Development Council,” Charles said during public comment, urging the court to weigh the consequences of dissolving the nonprofit group. Resident Robin Barnhart also addressed the court and said she was “glad I came tonight” and had concerns about how the council has been run.

Officials who supported the motion said the EDC’s recent meetings had become disruptive and that the county needs a different structure or staffing approach to pursue economic development. At the meeting a commissioner suggested hiring a part‑time or 20‑hour‑a‑week staff person to undertake outreach and business recruitment, remarks that reflect ongoing discussion about how the county organizes economic development work.

The fiscal court directed staff to determine the legal and administrative steps required to carry out dissolution and to identify how monetary assets can be lawfully dispersed under the council’s articles of incorporation and applicable nonprofit rules. The fiscal court record indicates the motion carried, but the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally for the vote.

The EDC’s representatives at the meeting said they will review the fiscal court’s action and pursue whatever administrative or legal steps are appropriate; the fiscal court said it will determine the logistics for transferring funds and may consider forming or revising an alternate economic development entity.

A clerk’s follow‑up and any required filings with the state or nonprofit authorities were not specified during the meeting.