Woodford County advances 2026-27 budget on unanimous second reading; totals exceed $72.7 million

The Woodford County Fiscal Court advanced the fiscal year 2026-27 budget (ordinance 2026-04-04) on second reading and received a summary of appropriations from the County Attorney.

Madam Treasurer said "there were two changes to the budget from first reading. One was the appropriation to the law library. Statute only allows us to appropriate 1,200 and we had appropriated 2,000, so that amount changed. And then the general reserve for transfer ... went from 6,393,048.01 to 6,393,848.01." She identified those two items as the only changes since the first reading.

The Judge described the county's fiscal strength, citing a high bond rating (AA2), low debt levels and an ability to reduce the property tax rate while maintaining services. He said the court expects to provide a 3% cost-of-living increase for county employees and affirmed the county's ability to handle emergencies while reducing the tax burden.

During the summary reading, the County Attorney reported fund totals: "The general total is 28,300,303.60. Your road fund total is 5,884,508.28. Your jail fund total is 3,553,559. State grants total $11,601,469.89. Federal grants total $16,112,286.15..." He closed by stating the ordinance will be published in summary form within 30 days of the meeting. The clerk recorded a unanimous vote on the second reading.

Squire Mary Ann Gill joined the meeting after the summary and, by motion, was allowed to cast her vote on the second reading; she cast a vote in favor, and the record was updated.

Next procedural steps noted by the court included publication of the ordinance summary and proceeding with any related fiscal-court votes during the regular meeting.