Bourbon County commissioners debate 10–15% mill-levy cuts, staff COLAs and modernization push

Commissioners at the Bourbon County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 27 discussed competing proposals for property-tax relief and steps to modernize county operations.

Commissioner Micah Milburn Key proposed lowering the county mill levy by 10% from last year. Commissioner David Beerbower urged a larger 15% reduction and said any tax changes should be accompanied by a rebalancing of services, singling out road maintenance and the possibility of a county recycling center. Commissioner Greg Motley emphasized restoring public trust and improving financial transparency.

The board did not adopt a final levy at the meeting. Commissioners repeatedly stated a preference “not to levy a single dollar more than we did last year” and agreed to hold additional work sessions and meet with departments on April 6 to give staff direction before formal budget numbers are set.

On personnel costs, one commissioner proposed limiting annual cost-of-living increases for county employees to 2–2.5% tied to the consumer price index. The board also discussed standardizing equipment inventories, lifecycle-replacement planning for courthouse and sheriff’s office computers and heavier capital equipment, and revising job descriptions to improve staffing flexibility.

Why it matters: The mill levy and staffing decisions directly affect county revenues, employee pay and services such as road maintenance and public safety. Commissioners framed the work ahead as a combination of tax relief and internal reforms to deliver services with greater accountability.

What’s next: Commissioners directed staff to prepare for department-level meetings on April 6 and to return with data and options for levy and operating budgets; no formal budget or tax rate was adopted at the session.