June 14, 2024

New county road programs take effect July 1

Legislation passed by the 2024 General Assembly is changing how county road projects may receive funding from the state.

Beginning with the new fiscal year, counties may begin applying for the:

• Highway Contingency Fund
• New County-City Bridge Improvement Program
• New County Priority Projects Program

County housing shortages in 2024

According to analysis released by the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) earlier this year, Kentucky has an overall housing gap of 206,207 units. 

All 120 counties are facing a housing gap, including both rural and urban areas. In fact, many rural markets in Kentucky have disproportionately high shares of housing gaps relative to their overall number of households.

During the first stops on the 2024 KACo Listening Tour, many county leaders have expressed their concerns over the lack of housing and housing affordability in their communities. County officials are invited to join us on a listening tour stop near you. See a schedule here. 

Annual law enforcement training incentive set to increase

The Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund (KLEFPF) provides funding for the mandatory training of Kentucky law enforcement officers. It also provides an annual training incentive stipend to officers whose agencies adopt established KLEFPF standards.

Based on the state budget approved by lawmakers this past session, the training incentive will increase in both FY25 and FY26.

KACo hosting opioid settlement training June 27

Join us in Frankfort on June 27 at KACo headquarters for a full day of training on best practices for using opioid settlement funds, including presentations from the Opioid Abatement Commission, practitioners, experts and county leaders. The training is free and offers 4.75 credit hours.

Share the roads safely

How often have you found yourself driving behind a large truck or bus?



It’s a pretty common occurrence. What many drivers forget, though, is that truck and bus drivers have blind spots all around their large vehicles. These blind spots can prevent the driver from seeing your vehicle traveling alongside them.

Upcoming Training Opportunties

See all training opportunities here

This week in pictures

Owen County EMS welcomed Nitro, adopted from the Owen County Friends of Animals, to serve as the station dog.

The Law Enforcement Model Policy Committee met at KACo Wednesday. KACo Law Enforcement Liaison Phil Crumpton serves on this committee, and we appreciate the work this group does regarding policy regulations and compliance.

Lincoln County Judge/Executive Woods Adams presented former magistrate Lonnie Pruitt with a proclamation on behalf of the fiscal court in honor of Pruitt’s retirement as owner of Lonnie’s Redhead Redi Mart. Pruitt ran his business in Crab Orchard for 44 years. Pruitt was the District 2 magistrate for Lincoln County for two terms.

Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul is gearing up for the Annual Invitational Quicksie Watermelon Eating Contest on June 26. He hopes to knock off defending champion Trisha Caudill to claim to title. We’re rooting for you, Judge!

The Madison County Courthouse Renovation project, funded by the Kentucky General Assembly through the Administrative Office of the Courts, has new lights and features that showcase the focal centerpiece of the community.

KCJEA Exec. Director Todd Ruckel, KCJEA President and Carlisle County Judge/Executive Greg Terry, KMCA President and Oldham County Magistrate Michael Logsdon, KMCA Executive Director JC Young.

Franklin County Magistrate Sherry Sebastian sang the National Anthem, and the Kentucky State Police Honor Guard presented the colors to kick off the KCJEA-KMCA summer conference.

Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen takes a picture of a presentation during the KCJEA-KMCA summer conference.

Lyon County Judge/Executive Jaime Smith talks with Magistrate Bobby Cummins.

Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery spoke about the need for more local revenue options at the KCJEA-KMCA summer conference.

Casey County Magistrate Troy Sanders pays close attention during a conference presentation.

Spencer County Judge/Executive Scott Travis asks a question during the conference.

Caldwell County Magistrate and KACo board member Elbert Bennett speaks with KACo's Temple Juett.

Crittenden County Judge/Executive Perry Newcom (right) talks with Rep. Ken Upchurch.

Hart County Judge/Executive Joe Choate (left), Magistrate Doug Wells and Magistrate Ricky Alvey.

KCJEA Executive Director Todd Ruckel talks with Barren County Judge/Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd.

Knott County Magistrate Calvin Waddles points at KACo's Jim Henderson (right) while sharing a laugh with Letcher County Judge/Executive Terry Adams and Knott County Judge/Executive Jeff Dobson.

Harlan County Judge/Executive and KACo President-elect Dan Mosley.