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Madison County outlines winter-storm response, estimates $297,000 in direct costs; county provided 247 essential-worker transports
Summary
County officials told the fiscal court that the recent snow/ice event cost the county roughly $297,000 to date and described a county-run essential-workers transport program that made 247 trips and logged 325 transport hours during the response period.
Madison County officials on Jan. 29 briefed the Fiscal Court on the county’s response to a recent winter-storm event and provided preliminary cost estimates and operational details.
The judge said the county has used about 2,000 tons of salt at $106 per ton — roughly $212,000 — and estimated labor costs of about $55,000 (30 overtime hours and 40 regular hours), about $10,000 in repairs and maintenance, and roughly $20,000 in fuel. "That's a total of about $297,000," the judge said, noting that any further work in the coming days would add to that figure.
County management and magistrates praised the road department, first responders and volunteers for the response. County manager Tom urged residents to consider conditions and the crews’ efforts before criticizing road work on social media: "Before you go on social media, will you please think one second before you go slamming road departments?" Several magistrates echoed appreciation for state and local crews who provided mutual aid.
A department chief detailed the county’s essential-workers transport program, activated at 4 p.m. Saturday and running through 8 a.m. Sunday. County dispatch coordinated with city and county fire departments and local law enforcement. The county carried out 247 transports, representing 325 hours of transportation service, and requested outside assistance (Guardian) to supplement capacity for some hospital-worker transports.
The judge also thanked local businesses that assisted — including Mags and Moose Pet Resort, which offered pet-care services to first responders — and noted the county’s animal shelter moved dogs into its warmest building and leaned on foster volunteers during the storm.
County officials said Kentucky River Foothills Development Council is accepting LIHEAP applications through March 27, 2026, and reminded residents about a community-resources page on madisoncountyky.gov. The court set its next meeting for Feb. 10, 2026, and adjourned.
The numbers presented were given as approximations by county officials during the meeting.
