Warren County fiscal court approved the first reading of the county’s annual budget and appropriations for fiscal year 2025–26, setting total planned spending at $81,322,933 and advancing the measure toward final adoption.

Judge Executive Chris summarized key changes and projects in the budget document before magistrates voted on the ordinance’s first reading and the annual appropriation resolution. The budget total is up from $69,589,449 the prior year. Highlights cited by county leadership included a $3.5 million remodel for Sugar Maple Square, $2.5 million in road resurfacing (an increase of $500,000 versus last year), a $1 million Betterworth Road project linked to a new school, $500,000 for bridges and culverts, $500,000 for new road equipment, and a $3.75 million County Fire Department budget that includes staffing and gear for the new department.

The presentation also noted $4 million-plus in grant projects, including an emergency operations center, two safe rooms at Richardsville and Browning, a drone grant, and a $3.4 million ARPA‑funded water and sewer project on Nashville Road. The court’s packet also listed a jail shortfall of $3,818,998 attributable to reduced revenues from state inmates and higher operating costs; insurance payments for the jail population were also cited as a cost driver.

Magistrates approved the first reading of the ordinance (listed in the packet as "Orange 25 0 5" in the transcript) on a roll call with all present voting yes. The court then approved the first reading of the annual budget and appropriations (itemed as a subsequent ordinance/reference in the meeting packet) by the same unanimous vote.

Motion details recorded in the meeting minutes: the first reading of the ordinance (item 26) was moved by Squire Lawrence and seconded by Squire Lasley; the motion to approve the annual budget and appropriations (item 27) was moved by Squire Williams and seconded by Squire Lasley. Roll‑call votes on both items show all magistrates voting "Yes" (Esquire Lasley, Esquire Cummings, Esquire Williams, Esquire McWhorter, Esquire Lawrence, Esquire Aldridge).

Treasurer Greg Burrell was acknowledged for budgeting work; Judge Executive Chris said the court will maintain a balanced budget and avoid long‑term deficits. The budget will proceed through required readings and procedural steps before final adoption.