The Jackson County Fiscal Court met on Thursday, February 12th, 2026, for its regularly monthly meeting. The meeting was called to order by Judge Gabbard and the minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. Judge Gabbard recognized Brian Murray representing the Jackson County Fair Board and Fairgrounds Park committee. Mr. Murray requested the Fiscal Court to consider placing the old Kenny's Restaurant building (located near the Post Office on Main Street, McKee, KY) up for public auction. The Fiscal Court purchased the building for a headquarters for the Fair a few years ago but with the construction of the new fairgrounds in progress, the building is no longer needed. The Court voted and approved the sale of the building via public auction, set the reserve at $30,000 and to give the proceeds from the sale to the Jackson County Fair Board.
Mr. Murray then discussed the building that sits adjacent to the new fairgrounds property that was formerly the outreach mission for Rocky Hill Heights as well as House of Refuge Church. This building is owned by McKee Baptist Church and would need a right of way to access it through the Fiscal Court property. Mr. Murray and Representative Truett spoke with the Department of Local Government and purchase of the building does fall within permissible guidelines of the State money the county received to build the fairgrounds as it can be used for several different things concerning the property. The Fiscal Court voted and approved to purchase the building for $190,000 which was slightly under appraisal value.
Judge Gabbard reported to the fiscal court and informed them of news regarding the projected County Road Aide budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. Judge Gabbard reported, “After the most recent rounds of winter weather, County roads are going to need extra attention. Potholes will pop up in the coming weeks, and gravel roads will need some refreshing. The last thing we needed was the information we received this week from KYTC’s Department of Rural and Municipal Aid. County Road aide is what we depend on to maintain our roads. We budgeted for 1.3 million in CRA for FY 26. Counties that participate in the cooperative program, receive road aide in 3 payments throughout the Fiscal Year funded through the motor fuel sales tax. We received Jackson County’s first payment for 60% of the total amount in August which was $807,000. That payment enabled us to pay the remainder of the asphalt bills from late 2024 and get a head start on equipment maintenance and supplies. The second payment usually comes in early February and should be for around $410,000 which is 30% of the budgeted amount. I received an email this week from Commissioner Lewis at the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid stating that the second payment will be less than anticipated and will be for only 25% which should be around $360,000. That’s $50,000 less than we were originally budgeted. That is a significant impact on our road budget if the numbers are correct. The amount could made up in June but is not guaranteed. Counties in Kentucky that participate in CRA payments, receive funds according to population. The more population a county has, the more money they are eligible to receive.
Jackson County, like other rural counties, depend on CRA money to upkeep and repair roads. I have said for many years that we have more road miles than money to maintain them. Winters like the one we have been in make it extremely difficult. The Fiscal Court will more than likely be tasked with raising more revenue in the coming years in to help offset the costs of road maintenance. With the rising costs of road repairs, jail expenses and cost of operations in general, there are no easy or quick solutions to funding shortfall problems.”
The Magistrates reported that they appreciated the long hours and dedication of road crews during the recent snow events. They requested work on potholes, brush removal as well as work regarding cleanup from the storm.
Sheriff Isaacs reported that Deputy Hacker had graduated from the academy and was now working full time as a road deputy. He also reported that he has Court security officers going through the DOCJT academy for training. Sheriff Isaacs also bragged on EMS for their work during the snow storms. It was a challenge but his department and first responders assisted everywhere they could.
Jailer Brian Gabbard reported that the jail had recently had a scraper blade donated from CAP (Christian Appalachian Project) that they mounted on one of the Jail trucks. They assisted the county and city everywhere they could. The jail brought in $103,500 in January through state inmates and programs offered at the jail.
County Clerk, Donald “Duck” Moore, turned in $87,657.10 in excess fees to the Fiscal Court from the 2025 Clerk’s Excess Fees. This is subject to audit.
The court discussed and approved the purchase of a 2008 Ford Ambulance for EMS from the LGEA Fund. The cost of the ambulance was $13,500.
The court discussed and approved GRANT Resolution #021226 for the amount of $57,180 to assist Jackson County Water with raw water intake replacement.
The court discussed and approved a resolution to certify County Roads maintained by Jackson County Fiscal Court for the CVADD.
The court approved their annual donation of $5,000 to the Jackson County Kiwanis Club for the upkeep, maintenance, and operation of Youth Sports (the Jackson County Little League and Bond Memorial Park)
After completing procedural requirements, the court approved taking CR-1137 (Andrew Road) out of county maintenance. The investigation revealed no residences on the road and no objections to the road’s removal from county maintenance.
The court reviewed bills associated with the Jackson County Fairgrounds Project and change orders. None had been submitted at the time of the fiscal court meeting and the item was tabled.
The court reviewed and accepted the Treasurer’s Bills and Transfers.
The next regular meeting was scheduled for March 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM.
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