Reapportionment maps move about 240 Spencer County voters into Shelby County, officials say

Spencer County Judge/Executive Scott Travis and state lawmakers told the Fiscal Court on May 6 that new GIS mapping used in post-2020 reapportionment has placed about 240 registered voters in Shelby County.

State Rep. James Allen Tipton told the court he had received a letter from the State Board of Elections advising that, under KRS 117.055(1), precinct lines must not cross county or legislative district boundaries and that the GIS accuracy showed those voters as residing in Shelby County. Tipton read part of the board—s warning that the law requires election records be corrected and said, according to the letter, "the law must be upheld regardless of timing or inconvenience."

The revelation has potential fiscal and service impacts. Magistrates and the judge said Spencer County could lose property and insurance-premium tax revenue tied to the affected parcels and face zoning and school-district complications. Judge Travis said the timing was especially disruptive because the county is finalizing its budget; "we're going to lose revenue," he said.

Tipton said two statutory remedies were available: a petition by affected residents to move the county line (which would be filed with the Shelby County judge and could appear on a ballot if timely) or interlocal memorandums of understanding so Spencer County would continue to provide services to those addresses even if jurisdiction and tax receipts shift. He urged any petition to include an accurate legal description and recommended consulting an attorney.

State Rep. Jennifer Decker, who attended the meeting, said she and Tipton had urged the State Board of Elections to delay final actions where feasible to give more time for local response, but she cautioned that the decision is subject to statute and state-board authority. Decker also noted that the legislature has mechanisms that may allow affected students to remain in their current schools under certain circumstances, and Dr. Foster of the local school system told the court he believed students could be accommodated if families choose to remain in Spencer County schools.

Magistrates pressed for immediate steps to ensure emergency coverage and continuity of services. Magistrate Stump moved, and the court approved, a directive to begin immediate discussions with Shelby County to pursue interlocal agreements to provide emergency services for the affected areas while longer-term solutions are pursued. The motion passed by voice vote with all members present voting aye.

County officials said other impacts to sort out include property tax bills, the allocation of school attendance, and differences in minimum-lot zoning requirements between the two counties. Tipton estimated the assessed-value loss could be substantial, citing a $50 million figure discussed during preliminary analysis.

What happens next: county staff will continue outreach with Shelby County officials and state agencies; Tipton and Decker said they will provide guidance to residents and suggested legal counsel if a petition to change the county line is pursued. The court also considered hiring outside counsel to research a petition but did not advance that motion at the meeting.

The court said it will keep residents informed as officials work through mapping, tax, school and service questions.