HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Christian County Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam presented the annual county budget to the community on Friday at the courthouse and talked about several goals including maximizing their relationship with Fort Campbell, pursing financial stability, enhancing the safety of residents, and focusing on population growth.

Gilliam said $18.5 million is set aside for the county’s general fund. Additionally, there are funds allocated for roads and bridges totaling $3.7 million, $9.2 million for the jail fund, and $3.5 million for the county’s health insurance fund, which experienced a slight increase this year. There are also funds for E911 fees, a general obligation bond, and an American Rescue Plan fund. Overall, the total revenue amounts to approximately $48 million.

With recent population growth in Christian County, the revenue has increased by about 4%, due to more people living in the area and paying taxes. “This is a good thing,” Gilliam said. “It’s not because we have increased taxes; those have actually lowered in the past year.”

While emphasizing the significance of public safety in his address, Gilliam said it’s important for citizens to know how they are being protected. In total, localized tax income amounts to $8.5 million, while the combined costs for public safety, encompassing the jail, sheriff, ambulance services, and ECC dispatch, reached $6.3 million. “Public safety is a big goal of ours,” Gilliam added.

He also addressed county requirements which include things like a coroner, county attorney, county buildings, and agency funding for the library, and animal shelter. In the past year, the animal shelters fees have been raised to keep up with pharmaceutical costs, which Gilliam says the community has really embraced.

Lastly, Gilliam reviewed some notable changes including a 6% increase in health insurance, and giving all employees a 4% pay increase. “Our employees work hard, and I know we live in an inflated area,” Gilliam said.

He also noted some capital projects that the county is working on including building a concession stand at Ruff Park, renovating the judge executive office, building a new sheriff office for increased storage, and making improvements in the Christian County Jail.