Oldham County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oldham County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Employee health insurance switch to self-funding
The proposed budget is balanced but leans on $5.4 million in reserves for capital projects and absorbs a $190,000 jump in liability insurance — mostly law enforcement and vehicle coverage. New spending includes a road inspector and richer police lateral pay credit.
November 3 election deadlines and early voting
Early voting moves to the Crestwood Temporary Courthouse this year, and the clerk warned that only certified write-in candidates count and that individual selections override straight-party choices.
2026-27 Property Tax Rate
Judge Voegele explained the property tax rate hasn't risen in at least 16 years and the county gets only about 8% of the total property tax bill, which funds police, planning and dispatch. Rising bills come from higher property values, not rate hikes.
Pending or potential litigation against the county
Former deputy Joe Ender publicly accused officials of corruption tied to the data center project, but the AG investigation file shows he told investigators he knew of no bribery. Voegele says the contradiction damages public trust and county employees' reputations.
FY2027 County Budget Adoption
The county adopted a $67.9 million budget — smaller than last year's — with operating revenue covering expenses and no property tax rate increase. About $5 million in potential capital projects would come from reserves only if needed.