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Woodford County judge outlines budget timeline, previews department requests
Summary
County Judge updated the fiscal court’s Budget & Finance Committee on the status of departmental budget drafts, key outside-agency requests, capital projects and timelines for public hearings and readings.
County Judge (name not specified) told the Budget & Finance Committee that the county’s budget teams are “deep in the budget process,” with departmental drafts circulating and the judge’s budget to be submitted by May 1.
The judge said the county held a joint meeting with cities and police leadership on the police budget and that the detention center budget will be delivered by April 1. He said the county must advertise its LGA and CRA funds and that the treasurer and staff will prepare materials for a public hearing.
The update summarized preliminary requests from outside agencies and capital projects. The judge said the CASA request is likely $20,000 again this year and that the Bluegrass Community Action Program’s request could increase slightly to cover potential cost-of-living adjustments for staff. He also noted the county’s planning and zoning and GIS preliminary budgets will be provided to the committee for review.
On law-enforcement spending, the judge said the county’s contribution to police contracted services last year was roughly $2.2 million and that police capital projects and equipment appropriations were about $133,000; he said Police Chief Young is considering replacing Tahoes with more economical vehicle options. Parks and recreation contributions and ongoing capital work on Big Spring Park and other turf-field projects were highlighted as upcoming expenses.
The judge described ongoing work with Compass Municipal on the county’s debt position, called the county’s bond rating “excellent,” and said audits have been strong. He warned the court will need to address the loss of payroll and net-profit tax revenue tied to a forthcoming reduction in jobs at Yokohama in May, but said new jobs and business growth are expected to offset that loss.
He reviewed other recurring appropriations including support for the Woodford County Community Market Pavilion ($75,000 per the MOA), funding for Woodford Wheels ($10,000 current appropriation), veterans commission and other small outside agencies, and noted the county will set salaries for elected officials by May 1 per statutory requirements.
The judge closed by reminding members that department drafts are preliminary and subject to change, that the fiscal court will hold a premeeting and hearings in May and June for first and second readings, and that budget information will be posted on the county’s transparency page.
The committee moved next to separate agenda items after the update.
