Franklin County Fiscal Court files for HB1 jail equipment funds and seeks up to $1.25 million from state economic development program

Franklin County Fiscal Court voted unanimously on June 26 to seek state funding for county projects, approving two resolutions that authorize grant applications to different state agencies.

Squire Eric Whisman moved and Squire Mike Harrod seconded approval of Resolution #22-2024 to file a Kentucky HB1 Jail Arraignment Equipment Phase II grant application with the Department for Local Government for up to $44,018. The court then approved Resolution #23-2024, moved by Squire Sherry Sebastian and seconded by Squire Eric Whisman, authorizing filing for the Government Resources Accelerating Need Transformation (GRANT) Program of 2024 with the Cabinet for Economic Development (CED) for up to $1,250,000. Both motions recorded unanimous votes in favor.

Why it matters: If awarded, the HB1 funds would purchase equipment tied to jail arraignment procedures; the CED application could provide significant economic-development funding. The minutes do not specify the intended CED project scope or budget line items for the $1.25 million request.

What the minutes record: Each resolution was authorized by motion and second and recorded as passed with votes from Squires Sherry Sebastian, J.W. Blackburn, Kelly Dycus, Mike Harrod, Richard Tanner, Eric Whisman, and Judge Michael Mueller. The minutes do not include copies of the grant applications or descriptions beyond the maximum amounts authorized.

Next steps: The motions authorize county staff to complete and file the applications with the respective state agencies. The minutes do not record any contingency language or match requirements.