Daviess County fiscal court holds first reading of $121 million FY2026-27 budget

Daviess County officials presented the first reading of the county's fiscal year 2026-27 budget during the May 14 fiscal court meeting.

Treasurer Mr. Johnson read key budget assumptions and major fund appropriations, saying the draft assumes retirement rates published by the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority, a 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment and no new taxes or additional debt. He said the county will present the detailed budget in the judge executive's office for public inspection because the Department for Local Government had not approved it in final form for online posting.

Mr. Johnson listed principal fund appropriations: General Fund $68,027,096; Road Fund $6,851,000; Jail Fund $12,182,850; Local Government Economic Assistance (LGA) $137,500; Bond Fund $1,927,000; Economic Development Fund $1,770,000; Opioid Abatement Settlement Fund $1,950,000; Solid Waste funds total $27,736,180; County Clerk permanent storage fees $466,000. He said total appropriations for all funds equal $121,047,626.

Commissioner Conder thanked staff and departments for preparing the budget and noted the county has conservatively budgeted for a roughly $20 million first-responders center as a planned capital project. The treasurer said the second reading and adoption of the budget are scheduled for June 11, 2026.

No budget vote was taken at the first reading; the court carried the motion to hold a first reading per ordinance procedure.