Bracken County Fiscal Court adopts 2025–26 budget, approves medical‑cannabis workplace ban and tables UTV decision

Bracken County Fiscal Court adopted its fiscal year 2025–26 budget on second reading following a public hearing and roll‑call vote. The court’s action finalizes the county’s spending plan after the first reading in May and closes the public comment period, during which no attendees spoke for or against the measure.

The court also voted to adopt a short‑form resolution invoking the employer exception in KRS 218B to prohibit county employees from using medical cannabis at work. The resolution, as presented, says employees who consume medical cannabis in the workplace, work while under the influence of medical cannabis, or test positive on a drug test “are subject to discipline up to and including termination.” Assistant County Attorney Mark Schumacher will prepare the final language and return it for inclusion in the county’s administrative code at a future meeting.

Members discussed whether to pursue a full ordinance but agreed, on counsel’s recommendation, that a resolution is more expedient while state and federal guidance remains uncertain. The court voted to adopt the shorter resolution and directed staff and the county attorney’s office to return an administrative‑code update in July.

The court spent substantial time debating a new state law that takes effect this week allowing special‑purpose vehicles (side‑by‑sides, UTVs, mini trucks and similar vehicles) on county highways under prescribed conditions. Court members and legal counsel reviewed options — permitting all highways, restricting specific highways, imposing speed limits, or taking no local action — and law‑enforcement officials raised safety and insurance concerns, particularly about the unresolved scope of farming/agriculture exemptions.

Because several fiscal‑court members were absent, the court agreed to table the special‑purpose‑vehicle decision until its next regular meeting so the full court can participate.

Other business approved during the meeting included an aggregate (rock) bid award to Hilltop Companies, the sheriff’s 2024 tax settlement (the clerk reported more than $5.3 million collected in calendar 2024), and a series of interfund transfers and vendor claims across jail, senior‑citizen, general‑fund and dispatch accounts. The court also tabled the fuel bid award (no bids had been received) and delayed hiring a full‑time animal control officer while remaining interviews are completed.

Stacy Flor, road department supervisor, reported maintenance work and gravel‑road repairs: “And, we worked on some gravel roads, lost some rock in, and then we also have a little time in for future T rail by chance,” she said.

The court announced a county planning presentation by Buffalo Trace Area Development District was postponed because representatives did not attend. Court members said they will circulate materials from a recent regional jail planning retreat and continue to the next meeting with the tabling items on the agenda.

Votes at a glance - Adopt 2025–26 county budget: motion by Debbie Mayfield; second recorded; adopted by roll call. - Adopt short‑form medical‑cannabis resolution: motion made and seconded; adopted by roll call; assistant county attorney to prepare final language and administrative‑code update. - Award aggregate bid to Hilltop Companies: motion by Debbie Mayfield; second by John Scott; approved by roll call. - Table decision on special‑purpose vehicles (UTVs/mini trucks): motion to table carried; matter will return when full court is present. - Approve sheriff’s 2024 tax settlement: approved by roll call. - Multiple interfund transfers and vendor claims (jail fund, senior citizens, general fund, dispatch/911): motions made and approved by roll call.

The court adjourned after completing roll‑call votes on the remaining claims and transfers. The fiscal court expects to revisit the medical‑cannabis administrative code language and the special‑purpose‑vehicle item at upcoming meetings.