County government officials from across Kentucky are gathering in Lexington for their annual summer conference. Adair County Judge Executive Gale Cowan said it provides an opportunity to meet with state officials and be briefed on various issues. Cowan said the housing of inmates continues to be a challenge in her southcentral area. She noted the state could provide additional assistance.
“We did make progress this time on with the past legislature. They increased the per diem on state inmates. Our small jail, we house our local inmates. We also house for Cumberland County, which does not have a jail. And we also house state inmates,” said Cowan.
Cowan said it would be nice if the state could pick up the medical costs. The county leader added interest in economic development in her area is on the increase. Cowan said a lot of work has been done on the industrial park, but workforce issues continue.
Nathaniel Downey is a magistrate in Simpson County. While counties often face significant jail issues, Downey said that’s not the case right now. The county official said the jailer has instituted programs to benefit inmates.
“Where they can go out to factories and work and make money for themselves and send home and that helping out the county a lot. They’re getting out on the side of the road more and then they’re helping other businesses around town. And that’s saving the county more money also,” said Downey.
Downey noted the Simpson County Fiscal Court is working to determine the best use for American Rescue Plan Act dollars. He added one project being discussed involves park improvements and a year-round facility to benefit people of all ages.
