Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Woodford County advances FY26–27 budget with rural land program and community assistance allocations
Summary
During a detailed line-by-line review, the fiscal court included a $250,000 allocation for a rural land purchase-of-development-rights program, approved a final farmers market payment, and added targeted community assistance (including NAACP program support and Bluegrass Community Action funding). The rural land allocation passed despite three recorded nays.
The Woodford County Fiscal Court continued a lengthy review of its proposed fiscal 2026–27 budget, approving several line-item allocations and flagging items for further review.
The court approved a final payment request for the Woodford Community Farmers Market after an affirmative motion to expense the invoice. Magistrates then discussed a proposed $250,000 allocation for a Rural Land Program to fund purchase-of-development-rights (PDR) activity. Supporters said the allocation would enable the county’s rural land board to begin preservation programming; opponents urged more immediate relief for farmers facing near-term pressures. The allocation passed by voice vote with three recorded “nay” votes and the motion carried.
Magistrates also approved modest increases or allocations for community-assistance programs: an additional $5,000 for Bluegrass Community Action’s economic recovery assistance, an expanded indigent-relief line with attention to burial costs, and program support for the NAACP’s youth and mentorship initiatives. Squire Blackford, who is affiliated with the NAACP, explained proposed youth mentorship and leadership activities and abstained from the NAACP funding vote; the court approved the allocation with his abstention noted.
Other notable budget items discussed included maintenance and capital needs (new plow truck, restroom remodels, courthouse exterior painting), a $424,000 mobile barrier safety proposal (to be considered alongside potential grants and city/county cost-share), and a $30,000 tree-planting initiative in partnership with conservation groups. The judge reminded the court that the first reading on the full budget is scheduled for May 26, and that many line items included in the draft budget would still require affirmative motions before payment.
