Fiscal Court adds 50% general fund reserve policy, codifies medical-cannabis employment prohibition

McCracken County Fiscal Court on June 9 approved Ordinance No. 2025‑10, which amends the county administrative code to create a general fund reserve policy and to codify a prohibition on medical cannabis use by county employees pursuant to state law.

The administrative amendment sets a target policy of a 50% general fund reserve balance (a midpoint between previously discussed 40% and 60% targets). Staff said the policy is intended to protect cash flow, improve bond-rating considerations and provide a clear, annual accounting of reserve levels. The ordinance allows for exceptions in certain circumstances, such as a multi-year plan to draw down reserves for an economic development project, provided the court documents the reason and a recovery plan.

The ordinance also codifies language the court previously approved to prohibit medical cannabis use by county employees in certain circumstances pursuant to Kentucky law referenced in the ordinance summary. The county attorney prepared the language following state legalization and staff said the change simply incorporates that policy into the county’s administrative code.

Staff and commissioners discussed the intended purpose of the reserve: to cover unexpected emergencies (major weather events, disasters, public health crises or liability costs) and to avoid recurring deficit spending. Commissioners noted the county had operated with minimal balances in 2019 and staff described the progress made over the last five years to restore fiscal health.

After discussion the court voted to adopt the amendment; the clerk recorded the reading and the ordinance was made available for public inspection per usual procedures.