Franklin County Fiscal Court approves budgets, MOUs, tax resolution, hires and investments

Franklin County Fiscal Court on Nov. 19, 2025, approved a series of fiscal, contractual and personnel measures during its voting session, including budgets, memoranda of understanding, a tax-rate resolution, and several personnel actions.

The court unanimously approved the County Clerk’s Lump Sum Fee Officials Budget for calendar year 2026 and an annual order setting maximum amounts for deputies and assistants for 2026. Squire Richard Tanner moved to approve the budget; Squire Mike Harrod seconded. The court also approved Resolution #43-2025, setting 2025 Franklin County tax rates for Insurance Capital to be used for general government services; the measure passed on a motion by Squire Sherry Sebastian, seconded by Squire Mike Harrod.

The court approved an amended agreement with the Bluegrass Area Development District regarding the Bluegrass Recovery Initiative and an amended memorandum of understanding with the Administrative Office of the Courts outlining roles, responsibilities and financial obligations for remediation and restoration of the Franklin County Courthouse following flood damage in April 2025. The MOU with the AOC was moved by Squire Sherry Sebastian and seconded by Squire Kelly Dycus.

A memorandum of understanding with Fresh Start Frankfort concerning opioid abatement funds passed unanimously, as did an agreement with the Frankfort Plant Board to provide dark fiber and internet access. The court also authorized the treasurer to open certificates of deposit totaling $2,000,000 for six months and $1,000,000 for nine months to improve investment earnings.

Personnel actions included authorization to award a bid for a used excavator to the Frankfort Plant Board—listed as the sole bidder—and hiring Eddie (Eddie) Barber and Jimmy Smith as light equipment operator/drivers. The court also approved a promotion for Allen Hazelwood to Heavy Equipment Operator I. The meeting record shows all of those personnel and procurement measures passed by recorded vote.

The court voted to enter a closed session under KRS 61.810(1)(c) and (f) to discuss proposed or pending litigation and personnel matters; the court later voted to return to open session. The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.