Daviess County Fiscal Court on Thursday heard the first reading of a balanced $110.2 million budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which holds property tax rates steady, avoids issuing new debt, and includes no new taxes.
The budget spans nine funds and includes major appropriations for general operations, road maintenance, the county jail, solid waste management, and economic development.
Treasurer Jordan Johnson presented the breakdown during the meeting, noting that retirement contribution rates are based on a 2.9% increase per guidance from the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority. Johnson also confirmed that revenue matches appropriations in each fund, maintaining a fully balanced budget.
Key appropriations include:
- General Fund: $60.27 million
- Road Fund: $6.28 million
- Detention Center Fund: $11.55 million
- Solid Waste Funds: $26.77 million
- Economic Development Fund: $1.77 million
- Bond Fund (Debt Service): $3.07 million
The budget document also includes $137,500 in the Local Government Economic Assistance Fund and $381,000 for capital projects via the County Clerk’s Permanent Storage Fees Fund.
While the budget was not voted on, discussion turned relatively tense when Commissioner Janie Marksberry motioned to include a $500,000 line item for drainage maintenance projects. Marksberry said the item would act as a placeholder, similar to past appropriations made for the senior citizens center, and could address flood mitigation issues without committing to immediate spending.
“I would settle for any amount of money at this point,” she said, noting she previously indicated she thought $2 million was appropriate. “Since there is no money in the budget for drainage, I think it’s time we acknowledge it.”
Commissioner Larry Conder seconded the motion to allow discussion. He indicated he would not vote yes for an amount of $2 million, but he voted yes to the request for $500,000. Conder noted that amount would only address periods of quick rain, not the prolonged downpour that led to historic flood levels recently.
“I do believe it is something that we should address,” he said of the drainage issue. “We should make sure whenever we do address it, whatever money appropriation comes out there, that it is real and it makes a difference.”
Commissioner Chris Castlen opposed the change, arguing the proposal lacked a specific plan or cost estimates, unlike other earmarked projects in the budget.
“We can always allocate funds when we have a clear plan,” Castlen said. “Putting money in the budget now without that is premature.”
Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen echoed that concern, referencing flood response efforts already underway and a multi-agency process involving state officials and the Army Corps of Engineers. He emphasized that drainage remains a concern but said arbitrarily assigning funds is not the solution.
“This issue isn’t new,” Castlen said. “But until we have action to take, I don’t support putting money in just as a holding place.”
The motion ultimately failed in a 2-2 vote.
Commissioners agreed that more discussions and possible budget amendments may occur after adoption. The second reading and potential approval of the budget is scheduled for June 5.
The detailed budget is available for public inspection at the Office of the County Judge-Executive in the Daviess County Courthouse but will not be posted online until approved by the Department for Local Government.
