Meeting roundup: Franklin County Fiscal Court approves opioid settlements, tax rates, bridge engineering work, bank guarantees and personnel actions
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Summary
At its Aug. 27 meeting the Franklin County Fiscal Court unanimously approved participation in national opioid settlements (Purdue and Sackler agreements), adopted multiple tax-rate resolutions, authorized bridge engineering work and two short-term CDs, approved a bank deposit-guarantee agreement, and confirmed several fire department promotions and a new hire.
Franklin County Fiscal Court convened Aug. 27, 2025, and approved a package of administrative, financial and personnel actions.
The court voted unanimously to authorize the county to participate in the National Opioid Litigation settlements with Purdue Pharmaceuticals (Resolution #29-2025) and the Sackler-family Government Entity Settlement (Resolution #30-2025), and to execute required settlement documentation. The court also approved Resolution #28-2025 appropriating budget funds to the Franklin Anderson Industrial Development Authority; that resolution passed with one recorded dissent (Squire Eric Whisman).
Financial actions included receiving the Sheriff’s 2024 Tax Settlement, approving an Order for Bond for the Sheriff, and authorizing the treasurer to open a 9-month certificate of deposit for $1,500,000 and a 6-month certificate of deposit for $400,000, with authority to renew at maturity. The court approved an agreement with First Federal Savings Bank of Kentucky to guarantee deposits above the $250,000 FDIC limit in accordance with KRS 41.240. The minutes also record first reading of Amendment #1 to Ordinance #4-2025 (budget for FY 2025–2026); no final adoption occurred at this meeting.
The court approved a work order and fee proposal with engineering firm HMB for the Farmers Lane Bridge Project under the existing agreement, and received the treasurer’s report. A Stephens Home Improvement invoice for $32,740.00 was noted; no motion was offered to deny that specific claim and it was excluded from payment at this meeting.
On personnel matters, the court entered a closed session under KRS 61.810(1)(f) to discuss matters that might lead to appointment, discipline, or dismissal. After returning to open session, the court approved multiple promotions in the fire department: Erick Mertz to Assistant Fire Chief (one abstention by Squire Eric Whisman), Brandon Redding and Jacob Toles to Captain, Josh Degnan to Engineer, and authorized hiring Logan Goode as a firefighter (Squire J.W. Blackburn abstained from the hire vote).
The meeting concluded with unanimous approval to adjourn at 7:56 p.m.