Judge Gabbard Dispels Rumors and 911 Applies for NCIC Access

A larger-than-normal crowd attended the Jackson County Fiscal Court regular monthly meeting on January 08, 2026. Brody Keck, Jackson County 911 Director, addressed the court regarding the agencies application to become a terminal for NCIC (National Crime Information Center) access. The agencies have had access to NCIC as a satellite office to the Kentucky State Police. However, with equipment updates to law enforcement vehicles, Jackson County has applied for access as a terminal.

The fiscal court approved a resolution which outlines the roles and responsibilities of Jackson County 911 Dispatch as it pertains to the administration of criminal justice.

Keck explained, “This resolution is a required step in the application process for our agency to obtain NCIC (National Crime Information Center) access. NCIC is a computer-based system that will provide access to real-time information, which can be relayed to our officers about wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and driver's licensing information. Currently, our dispatchers have to contact KSP Post 7 Richmond to share such information. This system would be a great benefit to the safety of our law enforcement officers to be able to provide such timely information and would aid in the investigation of crime. Our dispatchers have the required security training to obtain the system and our state of the art dispatch center meets the privacy and security qualifications for the system. Just a reminder that it is an application process through the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the FBI. Application does not guarantee we will get it. However, we are working to meet any and every need to add this valuable tool to our Dispatch.”

Judge Gabbard reported to the court and dispelled some rumors spreading on social media. Judge Gabbard informed those present, “First of all, I do not have any intentions of resigning from office. It is my intentions to complete the term I was elected to serve. I do not have any intentions of coming back to work in any part of County Government. I will be happy to offer any advice or information for the next Judge Executive that He or She may ask me of to make the transition easier. Anyway that I can be helpful I will be glad to do so.

Second, the State is not taking over operations of the Fiscal Court. I have been on the phone with the Kentucky Department for Local Government several times lately discussing the EMS facility that we received money to construct as well as other projects. If a local Government is in turmoil enough to be shut down, you wouldn’t be given a line-item project in the State Budget for 4 million dollars to construct a new Fairground/Park and they would be conducting this meeting today, not us.

Next, County personnel. We are not making any extended appoints within the Fiscal Court. The tenure of county employees is at the will of the county judge/executive and fiscal court. Their terms of employment end when the term of the outgoing county judge/executive ends, and the new county judge/executive has the right to hire administration employees, subject to the fiscal court’s approval. This interpretation of the Kentucky statutes has been recognized by the state attorney general and a federal Circuit Court. The US Supreme Court has established, however, that ordinary county employees may not be terminated on the basis of their political activities, because such action would violate their constitutional rights to political expression under the First Amendment. The New Fiscal Court that takes over in 2026 will have the opportunity to retain the current employees or replace them. The Judge Executive cannot hire or appoint employees without approval of the Fiscal Court.

Included in personnel is the county treasurer. The county treasurer handles routine financial transactions of receipts and disbursements and financial recordkeeping for the fiscal court. The fiscal court appoints a county treasurer during its June term every 4 years (KRS 68.010). The Fiscal Court will appoint a county treasurer in June of 2027 according to the Statue listed above. This is not the Judge Executive’s appointment, but He or She does have the right to vote on the appointment. This law is put in place so a change to the accounting won’t happen in the middle of a Fiscal Year.”

Judge Gabbard also proclaimed February as “First Responders Appreciation Month”. First responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS, Dispatchers, and other emergency professionals, serve our communities with unwavering courage, skill, and dedication. These men and women routinely face hazardous, unpredictable, and high-stress situations in order to protect life, preserve property, and ensure public safety.

First responders provide aid in emergencies, natural disasters, medical crises, and times of natural and community tragedy. They exhibit exceptional professionalism, bravery, and resilience. The sacrifices made by first responders extend to their families, who support them through long shifts, missed holidays, and the uncertainty each time they answer the call to serve. It is fitting to recognize the essential role these individuals play and express our deepest gratitude for their service and the positive impact they make every day.

During the Districts’ report, Magistrate Dale Vaughn suggested that, since the General Assembly was scheduled to begin the 2026 session, a list of roads and repair quotes should be provided to Frankfort representatives.

The Sheriff reported that tax collection has gone very well, with approximately 85% having been collected so far. Sheriff Isaacs also reported that an officer has completed their required training at EKU and will be back on the job in Jackson County. Sheriff Isaacs also noted that there are several job openings he is looking to fill. These include two (2) School Resource Officer positions, and three (3) Court Security personnel positions (2 full-time & 1 part-time).

Jailer Brian Gabbard reported that the jail is currently housing 76 State inmates. This is close to the number housed pre-COVID. Gabbard reported that the jail runs five (5) inmate work crews (4 male & 1 female). Jailer Gabbard emphasized that the #1 mission for the detention center is to help inmates in ways that will prevent them from ever coming back to the facility.

Judge Gabbard opened sealed bids for Jail Surplus vehicles. Daniel Isaacs won the bid for a Chevy Impala with a bid of $710. Joseph Bryant won the bid for a Blue Chevy 4X4 with a bid of $478. Benny Myers won the bid for a 2003 Chevy 5 Speed with a bid of $1,055. Zack Bryant won the bid for a Gold Chevy with a bid of $527. Zack Bryant also won the bid for a Chevy Blazer with a bid of $426.

The court tabled the agenda item regarding an EMS Vehicle agreement. It seems that some of the vehicles are owned by EMS, while others may belong to the Fiscal Court. EMS is concerned that a new fiscal court (after the 2026 election) may claim the vehicles and remove them from the EMS fleet. The issue requires all the vehicle titles. The item was tabled to provide time to gather all information necessary.

Judge Gabbard asked the magistrates for approval to obtain a current appraisal for the Kitchen Building in Annville, KY. There were also issues with the deed to the property involving East KY Power. County Attorney, Ross Murray, was asked to clarify the issues with the deed.

The court reviewed and approved bills and change orders for the Jackson County Fairgrounds project. The project is progressing well and is currently under budget.

The court reviewed and accepted the Treasurer’s bills and transfers.

The next meeting was scheduled for February 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM.