Commissioners approve notice to exceed revenue-neutral rate, set Sept. 14 public hearing

Bourbon County commissioners voted to submit a notice to the county clerk that preserves the option to levy slightly above this year’s revenue-neutral rate while they continue final budget work. The board approved the action on a recorded voice vote, directing staff to publish the proposed rates and to hold a public hearing on Sept. 14, 2026.

Matt Lawn, the county’s budget consultant from Baker Tilly, told the board he was asking for flexibility rather than a firm commitment to a larger levy. “I am asking you to propose a rate of 57.705 mills only because I want to retain a cap in the general fund, the employee benefit fund and the law enforcement fund,” Lawn said, adding that the additional capacity would be used to shift mills into EMS and elections if needed. Commissioners debated several alternatives, and after discussion they adopted a notice tied to the most-recent valuation-driven calculation (approximately 56.669–56.678 mills depending on final figures) and scheduled the public hearing.

Commissioners framed the decision as preserving options while they complete department-level budget reviews. One commissioner said the choice was difficult but necessary to avoid operational shortfalls: “We don’t want to raise taxes unnecessarily, but we have to make sure critical services like EMS and elections are funded,” the commissioner said. The board voted to authorize the chair to sign the notice and to publish it as required by statute. The filing will list the proposed levy, the total proposed property tax revenue, and the date of the public hearing.