Bourbon County hires Baker Tilly to run budget process after weeks of debate

Bourbon County commissioners voted to hire accounting firm Baker Tilly to serve as a fractional chief financial officer and run the county’s 2026 budget process. The motion to contract Baker Tilly was made and seconded in public session and carried by the board during a prolonged debate about outside oversight and use of local staff.

The vote followed more than an hour of discussion in which commissioners and elected officials disagreed over scope and purpose. Supporters said an outside, independent firm would provide neutral, professional budget guidance and restore public confidence in county finances. Opponents argued the county has in‑house staff and local expertise that could save taxpayer dollars and keep work local.

Commissioners questioned whether the firm could audit county offices if it later served as budget adviser, and whether Baker Tilly’s involvement would limit independent forensic work. County officials relayed that Baker Tilly representatives had told them the firm could perform budget and operational work but would not perform certain forensic audits if it was engaged in advisory roles that would create a conflict; specific limitations were to be clarified with counsel and in the contract.

The motion adopted by the board authorizes Baker Tilly to provide the contracted scope described in the budget‑process documents; commissioners said they expected the firm to include public‑works budgeting guidance and practical recommendations on equipment replacement schedules. The board directed staff to invite a Baker Tilly representative to a subsequent meeting to clarify exactly what work will be performed and to explain pricing and deliverables.

Next steps: staff will finalize contract paperwork and schedule a Baker Tilly presentation for the board; commissioners said they expect the firm to help complete the county’s budget calendar and provide a written work plan for public review.