Approval of Accounts Payable 05.15.26 $363,496.33
Commissioner Gregg Motley pointed out that the commission had been using attorneys in addition to county counselor Bob Johnson for legal opinions, which is costing the tax payers more money. He said that while he did approve the spending of the $4,500 on other attorney fees, the commission should “be cognizant of taxpayer dollars,” and use Johnson, as he is on retainer for that purpose.
Baker Tilly
Matt Lawn and Ben Hart from Baker Tilly addressed the commission about the budgeting process.
Motley brought up to Hart that Baker Tilly hadn’t shared the budget instructions that were given to the various departments within the county with the commission directly.
Hart apologized and said that he had understood that the commission has discussed goals, but it was not made clear to him that they have not agreed on them.
“These instructions really revolve around what the commission’s goals are in limitation to property tax revenue,” he explained.
Milburn-Kee said she reviewed the video of the last meeting where the commission discussed their goals and she is still of the opinion that she wants to lower property taxes.
Hart said he needs input from the entire commission, as they must have consensus to move forward.
Motley said his objection to the instructions given to county departments by Sam Lawn of Baker Tilly does not pertain to revenue but restricts “the department heads and elected officials from having input into their budget.”
He said that those instructions were not agreed to by the commission and they should be removed, as the commission has not reached consensus revenue or expense.
The bullet points in question state that wages, salaries, employee benefits costs will be prepared by Baker Tilly and departments should not modify personnel costs, and that the total of the 2027 budget request should not exceed the total shown in the 2026 budget column.
Allen expressed a desire to efficiently work on the basics the county should provide. He said they should keep taxes a low as possible and still be able to succeed as a county.
Hart read through the entirity of the budget instructions that Baker Tilly gave to county departments, pointing out that there was a place to explain in the notes about any changes department heads and elected officials needed to make. He emphasized that this part of the budget making process is an information gathering stage to be able to paint a complete picture for the commission.
Tran summarized his notes from the work session about county goals earlier this year. He said that Milburn-Kee wants to cut 10% off of everything, lowering the mill levy again. Motley said his priority is to restore trust tot he employees, the public, and financial markets to the county can get bonding sources. Allen echoed Motley. Beerbower wants to reduce property taxes by 155 and re-balance services. Tran said his priority is to stay revenue neutral. He also said that the commission did a good job with their budget last year and justified their expenditures.
Tran supported Hart’s statements that Baker Tilly is collecting information to present to the commission through this budget process.
Motley pointed out that county managers and elected officials were seeing a repeat of last year’s budget with no raises and a cut in benefits.
“I could have clarified,” said Lawn. “The instructions could have clarified more. I tried to separate out personnel costs and say not to worry about that because that would be for a later discussion.”
Motley said Lawn had no way of knowing the sensitivities in the county at the time.
Lawn said they need budget questionnaires back from the departments by the end of the month.
Motley said that explaining the situation to the department heads and elected officials should help address their concerns and get the process going again.
Milburn-Kee said that the commissioners need to be clear about what they are looking at doing with taxpayer dollars. She asked Tran to share his perspective.
Tran advised Lawn to collect the information they need and not change the questions. He said he’d rather have too much information than not enough.
Milburn began questioning the commission about their positions on taxes.
SEK Multi-County Health Department Budget Request – Rebecca Johnson: Administrator and Health Officer for the Bourbon County Health Department.
Johnson brought the health department’s yearly funding request. There was no increase last year.
2025 was a really rough year for the health department. They rely on federal and state grants, many of which were cut. Johnson said the health department is asking for a cost of living increase of 2.8% for a total of $93,291. They are currently operating at the minimum required staffing amount.
Further reductions in funding would affect accessibility and cause delays in services, as they’ve already cut personnel as far as possible.
They document animal bite reports, offer breastfeeding support, disease investigations, immunizations, lab draws, and local emergency preparedness work. They also facilitate WIC for Bourbon County.
Tran asked how much WIC has been cut by the federal government.
Bourbon County provides about 6% of the health department’s budget.
Johnson asked to be included in communication from Matt Lawn with Baker Tilly on budget information.
Department Updates
EMS Equipment Request – Teri Hulsey
A computer that Stronghold has come to repare and a few times and is not working properly needs to be replaced. The computer is used daily for paramedics and EMTs to do their reports. Stronghold quoted $1407.88 for a new computer. Hulsey did some research to compare costs.
She asked if the county could buy the department a new computer using the county’s equipment fund, as she has no money in her budget for the purchase.
Milburn-Kee asked if they could use one of the mini-PCs that the county already has. “Whatever works,” answered Hulsey.
Tran agreed with the idea of using computers that the county already has. He offered to talk to Stronghold about how to get that working for the EMS department.
Public Comments
Anne Dare read a statement about her disappointment with the county regarding recent discussions on contracted services. She pointed out failings of the HR firm and PayEntry and questioned continued expenditures on technology required by Stronghold. She suggested that the commission’s efforts to lower the mill will result in a planned reduction of services. She asked that the commission put a fair and consistent policy in place for hiring services and called for an acknowledgment of the appearance of unequal treatment on the part of the commission.
Tran interrupted her statement to tell her her time was up.
Bob Reed: came on behalf of the fair board
Rodeo will be June 24-25 and Fair Week is July 11-17th.
They are seeking individual sponsorship for the fair board and rodeo. Historically, the fair board has asked for sponsorship for elected officials and those running for office. Sponsorship will lead to recognition on the handbill and during the event.
Old Business
Hidden Valley Roads – Allen
Commissioner Joe Allen was contacted by Kaety Bowers about the condition of the roads. Kenny Allen, Public Works Director, discussed the load of work it would be to add the entire neighborhood to his crew’s rotation.
Tran asked Kenny Allen to come up with a plan. Allen then asked if there was a resolution in place to address the situation of working an HOA. He didn’t think working the whole neighborhood was feasible, but possibly the main road, and that the county could help if the neighborhood could supply the rock. Allen said he would consult with an employee who used to grade it and see what he thinks.
Auction Update – Allen
The majority of the items to be sold or gotten rid of have been moved.
There are quite a few toilets and sinks still in the EMS building.
Milburn-Kee moved to give Joe Allen the authority to auction it off. Motion carried.
New Business
Solid Waste Plan – K Allen
It’s time for the annual update of the five-year plan. The only change from last year is that they are no longer taking beans.
The commission approved and signed the plan.
Allen said his department laid 572 tons of asphalt at Osage and 215th. There’s a small spot remaining. When it’s finished, next will be Maple.
Hale Fireworks Permit
To sell at 2325 S. Main. Permit approved.
Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement
This is the regular audit that is done every year. Motion approved.
Commission Comments
Allen addressed Milburn-Kee’s comment she made during the budget discussion about dancing around questions.
Milburn-Kee said the commission needs to start engaging the public about the budget.
There’s no meeting scheduled for Memorial Day, May 25.