Hardin County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hardin County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
ADA Website Compliance Software
The county bought Siteimprove software to get its website ADA-compliant by the federal deadline — part transparency for residents with disabilities, part avoiding compliance trouble.
TRACERS Search and Rescue Grant
The county's volunteer rope-and-cave rescue team, TRACERS, landed a ~$2,700 state grant to replace aging gear — and it costs the county nothing since it's a pass-through.
Closure of Spurrier Alley in White Mills
A 168-foot strip of undeveloped alley — really just part of a property owner's yard — was officially closed, merging eight lots into one. It never was a usable road and portions nearby were closed back in 2006.
Detention center inmates serve the community
Detention Center inmates logged 11,536 work hours in July — cleaning 118 miles of roadside and completing a Lincoln Elementary workout project that's already being used by schoolchildren and inspiring future projects.
Hardin County History Museum operations
The museum reported visitors from 38 states and four countries, a Heritage Day fundraiser October 10 at Freeman Lake Park to save the Lincoln Heritage House, and building upkeep needs — including a stubborn roof leak and extra security cameras after a July 4th vandalism incident.
Special Purpose Government Entity Tax Rates
Three taxing entities told the court they're keeping rates flat: Extension stays at 1.8 cents, Soil Conservation takes the compensating rate, and the Health Department holds at 2.2 cents per $100.
Veterans-Themed Ambulance Wraps Donation Account
A new donation account lets residents personally chip in for veterans-themed ambulance wraps — magistrates are already lining up to donate. It's a feel-good item that honors local veterans.
Procurement Threshold Increase
An administrative code update raises the no-bid purchase threshold from $40,000 to $50,000 to match state guidance, and adds rules for small purchases and IT software subscriptions.
Sheriff's surplus vehicle to Hardin County 911
A surplus sheriff's vehicle is being transferred to the county's 911 service at no cost, thanks to the sheriff's office.
County cybersecurity and jail healthcare contracts
The consent agenda included a cybersecurity managed detection and response contract with Arctic Wolf (which absorbed the county's prior vendor), a jail healthcare services agreement for the coming fiscal year, and a consultant to help capture additional Medicaid ambulance reimbursement funding.
Engineering services contract spending
Magistrate Saltsman reported the county's $80,000 engineering services contract with Lincoln Trail ADD is on pace: $25,745 billed over six months, including $2,607.45 for May.
May primary election turnout and polling access
Clerk Smith reported 19.24% turnout with about 15,800 voting, and revealed a close call: a state road closure nearly blocked the county's busiest polling place, reversed in 15 minutes after calls to Senator Deneen.
FLOCK camera data-sharing agreement
A new MOU lets Hardin County E-911 and Radcliffe Police share footage data from FLOCK cameras in the area — approved quietly on the consent agenda.
Co-op/intern position and volunteer transparency
A job description for a county co-op/intern got sent back to committee after magistrates learned the county already has an unpaid volunteer in Engineering that most didn't know about. Magistrates want to be told whenever unpaid workers are on the job.
County library recognized statewide
Hardin County Public Library Director Laurel Tabaka received the Kentucky Public Library Association's first-ever Librarian of the Year award, credited with a $3.8 million renovation completed with zero closure days and a resource hub for Fort Knox military families.
Farm Plates vs. Friends of Agriculture Plates
The county clerk warned that the state will start enforcing rules on restricted farm plates and introduced the new Friends of Agriculture plate, which anyone can get and which renews in your birth month.
First Due software for volunteer fire departments
The county is spending about $33,000 to standardize all volunteer fire departments on First Due software for a year — something the Fire Chiefs Association asked for and that matches what some city departments already use.
Dr. Bell Reappointed as EMS Medical Director
The court renewed Dr. Bell's role as EMS Medical Director at about $24,600 a year, with officials calling his work excellent.