Squire Whisman asks court to centralize county employee administration under Judge Executive

Squire Eric Whisman asked the Franklin County Fiscal Court on Feb. 15 to direct the County Attorney to draft an order for the next agenda that would make all Franklin County agencies and employees subject to the county administrative code as defined in the Kentucky Revised Statutes and add county policies and procedures for departments.

Whisman told the court he wants raises, promotions and compensation for Franklin County Fiscal Court employees to be subject to court review and approval and administered under the County Judge/Executive and the Franklin County Human Resources director. The request specifically mentioned employees “including those at the regional jail.” The order, if drafted and placed on a future agenda, would return to the full court for a vote.

The proposal, as stated on the record, would alter how personnel actions for Fiscal Court employees are approved: department heads or elected officials would recommend raises for positions within the defined range, but final approval would rest with the court under the process Whisman described. The request also included a budget placeholder for planning services and technical assistance relating to development, which Squire J.W. Blackburn supported.

The court did not vote on the directive at the Feb. 15 meeting; Whisman asked the County Attorney to prepare the draft order for consideration at the next meeting. County Attorney Max Comley was present; no formal motion or ordinance implementing the change was made at this session.

The item will return to the court on a future agenda for formal consideration and any potential ordinance or order would be subject to the legal requirements of Kentucky law and the court’s rules.