Larry Conder is no stranger to local politics after previously serving as a City Commissioner, but this time around he’s taking on a role in the county government. As Daviess County’s Central Commissioner, he said his role is to ensure the financial stability that was left by the previous Fiscal Court stays intact.
“The Fiscal Court is financially stable; very, very financially stable,” Conder said. “There should be no reason over the next 4 years, that I can see, for taxes rates to go up. We would have to have something traumatic happen in order for that to occur.”
With that in mind, Conder wants to ensure that he is able to address all the needs within the community.
He said that over the next 2 years, it’s important that Owensboro-Daviess County take chances at setting the table for future generations to ensure that regardless of background, they can have a voice and a seat at the table.
One of Conder’s top priorities is looking at previous ARPA funding and the opioid settlement dollars that will be coming to Daviess County, making sure both monies are going to the correct place and being effectively used within the community.
He also hopes as the new Fiscal Court will get more involved with the senior center project.
“I hope that we can be involved — although I know it’s not a county agency, it’s a city agency — getting the senior center project off the ground. We’ve been talking about it way too long,” Conder said.
Conder is confident his time as a City Commissioner will help in his new role time, as he noted how the City had to preserve the $7 million general fund budget and had to make hard decisions.
Now, he said, the City is able to boast a nearly $30 million general fund budget and can take on major projects.
When it comes to spending, Conder is hoping to utilize more private money and CARES Act funding to get the most out of the budget and dedicate the funds to projects the community actually wants and needs.
“One of those bigger wants is does the community want an amphitheater? And how will that interact with everything that we’ve got going on now not only in the City of Owensboro but where it might go in the county someplace,” he said.
All in all, he said there are a few challenges that await the new Fiscal Court, but finances will be the big factor.
“A lot of challenges and a lot of great opportunities,” Conder said. “Bring it on. Let’s do this.”
