Judge Riley briefs court on FYE 2021 audit, ballfield lighting grant and ARP guidance; Rep. Tipton outlines state and federal funding moves

Spencer County Judge/Executive John Riley told the Fiscal Court on April 5 that the Auditor of Public Accounts plans to perform the county’s fiscal-year 2021 audit and will send an engagement letter before the auditors arrive.

Riley also told the court that the Commonwealth awarded $49,500 to the county for lights at Field No. 1 at the Ray Jewell Park Sports Complex through a parks/outdoor-spaces grant program.

Later in the session, state Representative James Allen Tipton briefed the court on recent legislative and federal developments. Tipton said Kentucky was set to receive $2.4 billion in a recent federal package and that the legislature appropriated $575 million to reduce the unemployment trust-fund loan; that step is intended to lower employer unemployment-insurance premiums. Tipton also noted appropriations for broadband expansion and sewer and water infrastructure, and he described HB 574 changes to the state’s election laws.

Tipton told the court broadband expansion was a multi-year project and said transportation funding discussions continue for local corridor projects including Highway 44 and other arterial work affecting Spencer County. The judge and Tipton discussed bridge weight limits and potential engineering follow-up from the Transportation Cabinet.

No formal vote was required for the reports; the updates were presented for the court’s information and potential follow-up.