Director Reports - January 20, 2026

Directors met with the Court to report the progress and activities of their respective departments at this month’s meeting held on Tuesday January 20, 2026.

Finance Office

Michael Mackin
Finance Director

Finance Director Michael Mackin reported that the county is currently reviewing business ordinances to identify opportunities for administrative improvements and potential updates that support more efficient operations. This review is intended to strengthen administrative processes and supports long-term fiscal stability.

Mr. Mackin also noted that overall net profits have increased during this reporting period, reflecting continued progress in the county’s financial position.

Road Department

Steve Kelsey
Road Foreman

Road Foreman Steve Kelsey reported that the department has received its new truck, which is now fully equipped with a blade and salt spreader. The department currently has 14 trucks prepared for service, with one tandem truck temporarily inoperable. In addition, two graders are also ready for operation.

Preparations are underway for winter weather, with 13 operational trucks and two graters expected to be fully ready ahead of the upcoming winter storm. The county currently has approximately 1,000 tons of salt on hand to support Winter road treatment.

Mr. Kelsey also discussed plans to begin road patchwork projects. He is in the process of obtaining oil needed to operate the patch truck so repairs can begin as weather permits.

Repair work has begun on the bank slip located on Bluestone. The roadway was scheduled to be closed for approximately two weeks while the slip is repaired and filled with dense grade aggregate (DGA), however the recent ice storm has halted work on the project until better weather prevails.

Mr. Kelsey expressed his appreciation for the dedication of his road crew and for the continued support provided by their Office Manager, Morgan.

Tyler Brown
Env. Services Director

Environmental Services

Director Tyler Brown provided a recap of 2025 litter abatement efforts across the county. Throughout the year, crews addressed a total of 31 illegal dump sites, cleaned approximately 613 miles of roadway, and collected 8,531 bags of trash. The total cost of these cleanup efforts ranged between $40,000 and $50,000.

The county recycling center has transported two to three loads of recyclable materials this year. Mr. Brown also reported progress on a proposed crumb rubber tire grant for the new playground area. If awarded, the grant would allow for the use of rubber safety surfacing beneath playground equipment as an alternative to traditional mulch, providing improved cushioning and enhanced safety for children. The county is hopeful the grant timeline will align with the installation of the new playground equipment.

Additionally, the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant is scheduled for implementation in May. The grant totals approximately $2.6 million and is a regional partnership between Rowan, Morgan, and Menifee counties. Funding will assist Morgan and Menifee counties-both of which currently lack recycling centers-by providing essential equipment including a truck, trailer, and recycling trailers to help establish local recycling programs.

Kim Adams
Animal Control Officer

Animal Control

Animal Control Officer, Kim Adams, was unable to attend court due to a scheduled state inspection at the Rowan County Animal Shelter.

The shelter remains at full capacity, reflecting a statewide issue of overcrowding affecting animal shelters across Kentucky. County officials continue to work within state guidelines while coordinating with partner agencies and rescue organizations to manage capacity and ensure proper care for all animals housed at the facility.

Residents are encouraged to consider adoption, fostering, or spay and neuter services as effective ways to help reduce overcrowding.

Winter Storm Preparations

An emergency meeting was held with county leadership, department officials, and members of the public to prepare for the recent snowstorm. The discussion focused on coordination, response planning, and steps needed to keep residents informed and safe during severe winter weather.