Daviess County Fiscal Court approves park and safety contracts, extends zoning moratorium to Aug. 31, 2026

Daviess County Fiscal Court on Feb. 26 approved a series of contracts, bid awards and appointments and extended a zoning moratorium to Aug. 31, 2026.

The court voted to approve event contracts for Yellow Creek Park — a $2,000 stage rental for the county Easter event and a $7,500 production-services contract for the July 4 celebration — and a $15,000 fireworks contract with Star Pyro for the July 3, 2026 display, with the county noting sponsorships will offset part of the cost. Treasurer Jordan Johnson told the court the fireworks contract is larger than prior years’ $8,500 because it includes larger shells and additional effects to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The court also approved renewals and public‑safety and facilities work: renewal of the Owensboro Health employee assistance program at $22.50 per employee per year; approval of a $5,200 plat preparation proposal from Bridal Engineering to create public utility easements for the planned Daviess County Public Safety Facility; and an $11,000 design proposal from Bryant Engineering for a 12‑inch water‑main extension (about 1,200 feet) from the Western Kentucky University Owensboro campus to Fours Lane, including a Division of Water permit application.

Several capital and maintenance bids were awarded. Preferred Construction Services Inc. was awarded $147,700 to replace a roof cap at the Kirtley Annex (costs expected to be offset by insurance from a March 15, 2025 hailstorm). Masur and West Construction received a $27,500 contract to renovate office space at the Scherzinger Building. Ohio Valley Two Way Radio was awarded $52,470.66 to upgrade community notification sirens to a digital 800‑megahertz system. The court also approved an RFQ to Midwest Canvas Corporation for eight new tarp systems for transfer‑station trailers at $24,758.40; staff reported the tarp systems reduce flying debris and will be custom‑fitted with installation expected in one to two months.

On zoning, the court completed second reading and approved an ordinance amending prior text related to the Owensboro Metropolitan Zoning Ordinance and extended the current moratorium on certain actions to Aug. 31, 2026, to allow additional time for research and review. County staff and Commissioner Marksberry emphasized the action extends the moratorium only and does not implement other changes.

The court approved two resolutions creating street‑lighting districts for Saddle Point Subdivision units 2 and 3; Treasurer Johnson explained, per Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), meter costs will be divided among parcels and collected via tax bills.

Personnel actions included reappointing Russ Wilkie to the ethics board (term effective March 1, 2026–Feb. 28, 2029), reappointing Steve Rising to the Owensboro–Daviess County Regional Airport Board (March 1, 2026–Feb. 28, 2030), accepting the retirement of Tim Terry effective Feb. 28, 2026, and accepting the resignation of Heath Stallings effective March 3, 2026.

Judge and commissioners also opened the meeting with an invocation that addressed recent community tragedies; several commissioners urged unity and careful public speech and reminded residents the national suicide and crisis lifeline is 988.

The meeting record shows the treasurer reported county cash balances as of Jan. 31, 2026: total cash $87,097,280.89; general fund balance $53,666,186.87 (less reserves and restricted funds); and $43,407,263.47 available for general fund operations. Johnson said the jail fund is underperforming on federal and state per diem revenue and that he will likely present a fund transfer at the next court meeting to address the shortfall.

No public comments were made during the public‑comment portion of the agenda, and the court adjourned.