Fiscal Court Hears from IDA, EMS, and 911

The Jackson County Fiscal Court met on Thursday November 13 for its regular monthly Fiscal Court meeting. The meeting was called to order by Judge Gabbard and the minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.

Judge Gabbard then recognized visitor Mitchel Ball with the Jackson County/McKee IDA. Mr. Ball came to request that the Fiscal Court support a grant application that the IDA has submitted. The KPDI program, which stands for Kentucky Public Development Initiative, is a state program that provides funding and resources for economic development projects across Kentucky. These projects often aim to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and stimulate local economies.

The Jackson County/McKee IDA (Industrial Development Authority) is seeking support from the Fiscal Court for a grant application submitted through this program. The grant application is for just under $2 million for a 12,000 sq. ft facility on lot #1in Annville Park. This requires a 12.5% of matching funds. At this time JC/MIDA has committed $209,000 of the estimated required amount of $243,800.

This leaves the IDA about $35,000 short of matching fund total required for the project. The Department of Local Government has requested they have a pledge for the remaining balance. So, the IDA is asking the Jackson County Fiscal Court to consider pledging the remaining amount of approximately $35,000, if needed. Ball Industries would lease purchase the facility from the JC/MIDA over a 15 to 20 year lease. Lease purchase money would remain with the JC/MIDA for future economic development projects. The Fiscal Court voted and approved pledging up to $35,000 towards the project.

Judge Gabbard then recognized visitor Brody Keck, Interim Director for Jackson County 911. Mr. Keck provided updates on FEMA reimbursements, 911 activities as well as Jackson County EMS. Jackson County EMS board of directors met on October 21, 2025 and placed Meranda McQueen as the new Interim Director of EMS. The Board voted unanimously to make significant leadership changes within EMS to embark on a new direction for the ambulance service.

Mr. Keck also reported that they had put in place a new interview process for 911 and have hired some potentially great dispatchers. They have 4 dispatchers that are ready for the DOCJT Telecommunications Academy to receive required training and they will be scheduled when it opens on December 1st.

Judge Gabbard gave a report to the magistrates. Judge Gabbard reported, “The Jackson County Fairgrounds project we have going on is progressing along nicely. Contractors are moving dirt and leveling the mountain as weather permits. We have only had one change order come in and that was for a French drain to help with extra drainage. I currently have Nesbitt Engineering putting together an estimate for widening on McCammon Ridge road to present to the Legislature when they go into session in January. I believe this project could be the center of attention for Jackson County for years to come.”

Judge Gabbard continued, “Speaking of road construction, we still do not have an estimated time that Allen Company can get started on the roads we are wanting repaired this year. Allen Company was the only contractor that bid our blacktop and stone this year so we are in contract with them for blacktop work. They are also one of the main contractors that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet uses as well as several Counties. I worked in asphalt construction for over 20 years. When the temperature falls below 40 % blacktop does not bond together as well and you don’t get real good results with the finished product. With all these factors together, we will more than likely not get any blacktop laid this year. It all depends on the weather and availability of the contractors.
Repairs should begin soon on the bridge on Bean Pole Road. As I reported last week, we did not receive any state funds to help with repairs on the bridge, so we will be footing the costs ourselves. We estimate the costs to be around $40,000. The bridge has been closed the majority of the year, and we need to get it repaired and open.”

The Magistrates all asked about the possibility of having paving done this year. Judge Gabbard reported that it would be up to the weather and contractor availability.

Jailer Gabbard reported they have 70 State inmates at the moment. Classes, as well as other revenues, have contributed $95,000 to jail costs this month.

The court approved the sale of Jail surplus property. Vehicles the jail would like to sell will be placed in the papers with bidding requirements as well as dates and times for opening of bids

The court reviewed and approved invoices for work done on the new Jackson County Fairgrounds. The court approved payments to Praxel Utility Services ($181,402.60) and Nesbitt Engineering ($5,000).

The court appointed Eddie Judd and Ryan Judd to the Jackson County Extension Service Board of Directors.

The Fiscal Court approved the payment of the printing of all County tax bills

The Fiscal Court was awarded $206,762 for the resurfacing of Wolf Pen Branch Road in the Letterbox Area. The court accepted and approved the Flex Funds Agreement and Resolution, which would enable them to accept these funds.

The court reviewed and accepted the Treasurer’s bills and transfers. The next fiscal court meeting was scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM.