Hardin County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hardin County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Berrytown Road Drainage Structure Repairs
A $160,000 drainage repair project on Berrytown Road got the green light, with the state picking up $80,000 through an 80/20 match program.
Countywide ban on pet sales in parking lots and flea markets
The county is joining a small club — reportedly one of only two Kentucky counties — moving to require pets be sold only by reputable breeders and to steer residents toward shelter adoptions. First reading passed; a second reading and hearing come before it's final.
November general election preparation
With 98 days to the general election, the Board of Elections voted to add a polling location for early voting and Election Day, pending state approval — reflecting heavy turnout interest after the May primary.
$100,000 Middle Creek Road resurfacing
The county is applying for a new state Grant Pool Program match of $100,000 for Middle Creek Road; the full project runs about $280,000, leaving the county to cover roughly $180,000.
State road aid and grant funding
The county is getting over $600,000 in state road funds for eleven roads with only a ~$150,000 local match, plus a major FEMA reimbursement for flood-damaged Stovall and Hall Roads. A new Glendale government complex also received $6.5 million in state funding, available July 2027.
Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (First Reading)
A first reading of a zoning text amendment covering definitions, the map amendment process, board of adjustment powers, and procedures for non-listed uses. The final vote happens at the September meeting, so residents still have time to weigh in.
Road Surfacing Funding for Upton and Rhudes Creek Roads
The court approved $314,000 in flex funds for bit surfacing on Upton Road and W. Rhudes Creek Road — smoother drives for folks in that part of the county.
Surplus ambulance transfer to Sonora Fire Department
An old county ambulance is heading to the Sonora Fire Department, boosting emergency medical response in the southern part of the county at no acquisition cost to the department.
Animal Shelter Programs and No-Kill Status
The shelter is back at a 90% live release rate — no-kill territory — with a booming volunteer program, a new dog day-out program, and about $15,000 in Best Friends donations.
EMS training grant award
Hardin County EMS landed almost $55,000 in grant money — no local match — to buy new CPR mannequins, airway training dummies, and upgraded cameras, mics, and speakers for the training room. That means better-trained medics responding to your 911 calls.
EMS Crisis to Care Grant Application
The county will apply for a fully reimbursed ~$60,000 grant to buy EMS training equipment, beating a June 12 deadline.
Road Supervisor leadership transition
Longtime Road Supervisor Dwight Morgan retired and Michael Steck was unanimously appointed to fill his unexpired term. Magistrates credited Morgan with stretching limited staffing, upgrading equipment, and fighting for road employee pay.
New Type 1 ambulance purchase
The court approved a $318,500 bid for a new Type 1 ambulance through the consent agenda — the going price for an ambulance these days, as Judge Taul put it.
BRIC Grant for Community Storm Shelters
The county got approval to apply for a federal BRIC grant to build two above-ground community safe rooms at $355,000, with the county's share capped at $89,000 if no other grants offset it.