CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam held the annual budget address on May 12, sharing the Christian County Fiscal Court’s 2025-26 proposed budget. This slightly decreased budget currently shows significant funding going toward the jail, with several capital projects planned to upgrade spaces in Hopkinsville.

Gilliam expressed that their goal with establishing this budget was to make the most of their limited resources while promoting growth. He announced that for the upcoming fiscal year, the county has a budget of $52,027,000. This is a $5 million decrease from last fiscal year’s budget, which was just over $57 million.

“We want to move Christian County forward…one of the core values that we had in putting together this budget, and in just about everything we do is to try and live within our means,” said Gilliam during the address. “We think that we are responsible to the taxpayer, they are the ones who have entrusted us with their dollars.”

Jail, general fund, road budget

There were specific goals outlined during the budget address, which include maximizing the county’s relationship with Fort Campbell and optimizing natural and manufactured resources to grow the county. They also hope to focus more on population growth through the expansion of housing and enhance the safety and security for citizens.

$22 million from the budget is allocated to the General Fund for the Christian County Fiscal Court, which is a $4 million decrease from the previous year. There is also an increase toward the Road and Bridge Fund at $5.8 million.

“Our jail is one thing that we stay very laser focused on as well,” said Gilliam. “We don’t want anyone to be incarcerated, but if they have to be incarcerated, we’ve got a bed for them over across the river. The more beds that are filled over there, the more revenue it creates and helps offset our county expenses.” He further explained that compared to other counties, their costs for the jail are relatively low. The budget shows $9.7 million appropriated toward the Christian County Jail.

Notable changes in the budget include a four percent raise to county employees, and an increased cost in county health insurance as well as P&C insurance.

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Investing in downtown and animal shelter

The county will be prioritizing certain capital projects this fiscal year to invest into the community. Gilliam said they plan on demolishing the old treasurer’s office on Weber Street in downtown Hopkinsville, with the goal of transforming the lot into additional parking for events, shopping, and entertainment. “Parking is hopefully going to be in high demand as we get more and more people into our downtown,” he said.

They also plan on investing in a renovation for the Christian County Animal Shelter and have already met with a consultant on how to best utilize the space they have. Some changes may include redesigning the kennels to help prevent illness from spreading, along with other aesthetic improvements to create a warm inviting environment.

Previously discussed repairs to the Alhambra Theater’s roof are not necessary at this time, and instead audio improvement will be made with funding from the county. Additionally, updates to the Christian County Justice Center’s HVAC system and continued renovation on the Judge Executives office is also included in the budget.

This fiscal year, the county hopes to begin funding a remodel to the Christian County Courthouse and surrounding square. This will make a variety of improvements in regard to accessibility and restoring the historic beauty of the area. Gilliam said, “It’s the public’s building, so we want to make sure we maintained it to the highest degree possible.”

$4.5 million carried over from last fiscal year’s budget will help fund these capital expenses.

The budget will now move to the fiscal court for a first vote this week before being approved by the state. Pending any changes, a final vote will be held around June to establish the budget.

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