Scott County sets budget calendar, reviews capital projects and property priorities

Scott County Fiscal Court reviewed upcoming budget deadlines and a list of capital projects the court will consider during the 2026 budget process.

Judge Covington outlined the timeline: department budget requests are due by the 16th of the month, staff will meet with departments over the following two weeks, the court expects a first reading on May 22 and hopes for a second reading and adoption on June 13.

Court members discussed a set of capital and property items that could be funded or further advanced in the budget cycle, including courthouse HVAC replacement, the legacy trail match and construction work, Great Crossing Park improvements, and a North Sewer project match of approximately $300,000 tied to state funds (referred to as "Andy Barr monies"). The county also noted involvement with the Central Kentucky Business Park Authority and a potential 725-acre purchase in Northern Madison that depends on state allocations.

Judge Covington raised the old jail and jailer's house as properties the county should preserve. He recommended that if the county pursues sale or repurposing, a conservation easement should be required to prevent demolition; members noted potential grant funding and also the cost challenges posed by hazards such as lead paint.

Infrastructure updates included news that the North Ray's Fork bridge is temporarily open with DGA approaches and guardrail and that Mount Horeb work should have abutments and beams set by an April 6 target, pending the asphalt plant's opening to finish paving. A court member also noted a local need for a trap-shooting facility for students and suggested staff contact the school superintendent if the county should consider partnership.

Payroll and compensation transparency was praised: Kelly Corman thanked payroll staff for individually mailing letters to employees showing wages and benefits, and county staff said the intent is to increase employee awareness of compensation and benefits.

The court adjourned the workshop and said it would reconvene shortly for a special-called meeting to consider a transfer from the general fund to the jail fund; the special meeting agenda item was announced but not yet acted on in the workshop portion of the session.