For the fourth consecutive year, Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam and his magistrates took considerable time Thursday morning to provide an in-depth and public look at the 2026-27 Christian County Fiscal Court budget.
The biggest highlight is an $8 million increase for this year over last, moving from $52 million to $60 million — and most of that coming from the addition of a 10-year, $17 million interest-free loan made possible by the recently-passed HB900 and Kentucky’s Budget Reserve Trust Fund.
Its purpose, Gilliam said, will be to purchase Commerce Park II — and bring it fully under county ownership and control.
Gilliam further noted that the Industrial Foundation exercised their option, at last minute, on that property — without any ability to service that debt, and before Ascend Elements began dealing with its choppy waters and shifting market.
In fact, Ascend Elements originally wanted this property in question, only to choose the lot next door, and Gilliam added there has been “no recovery” of that purchase. Taxpayers, the Cabinet for Economic Development and other apprised parties have already made investments in this space, and Gilliam said it was vital to keep momentum churning and in local hands — because it will be the industrial hub “not only of Christian County, but of the region.”
Gilliam specifically gave high praise for Kitchen Foods and its arrival to south western Kentucky.
This budget also includes a number of one-time and carryover capital projects, including:
+ $190,000 for county building maintenance
+ a $50,000 match with the city and the state for Hopkinsville-Christian County Library improvements
+ a $362,000 promise to the Christian County Regional Animal Shelter, aided by a private trust and grant
+ $125,000 toward Western Hills Municipal Golf Course repairs
+ $50,000 for Alhambra Theatre repairs
+ a $550,000 allocation for a new two-way radio system
+ a $345,000 earmark for the county road fund
+ a $215,000 line item for the jail fund
+ and $300,000 for HVAC repairs at the Christian County Jail and RCC
It also promises $100,000 for Sanctuary, Inc., to begin its construction of a new headquarters and critical response facility, as well as a 3% county operational increase — with other targeted raises forthcoming.
Gilliam noted the stewardship of this, and so many previous, fiscal court has led to a rainy-day fund north of $4 million — meaning Christian County feels ready for any major issue, should it arise.
Other priorities in this budget, Gilliam said, will be housing, infrastructure, I-24 expansion, public safety concerns, and a continued commitment to a strong relationship with Fort Campbell.
The budget committee is comprised of Magistrates Russ Guffey, John Bruce and Phillip Peterson. First reading will come Tuesday, May 12, with a second reading expected in June.
FULL BUDGET PRESENTATION:
