Judge-Executive Al Mattingly delivered his 11th State of the County address during a remote Rooster Booster event on Thursday, January 7th.
“The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be the hot topic,” he said. “Keeping our citizens healthy and informed…as well as providing a safe work environment for our employees…is number one on our list of priorities.”
In the speech, Mattingly highlighted how the County has worked with local, state and regional partners to provide financial assistance and personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic.
Additional avenues of support for the business community included:
- Providing relief to bars and restaurants with a Daviess County business license
- Extending the due date for paying net profits taxes
- Delaying a scheduled increase in occupational taxes
- Waiving County alcohol renewal fees
The city and county governments each contributed $300,000 to the COVID-19 Response Fund in 2020, sparking another $450,000 from the community.
“I want to thank the United Way and the Green River Area Community Foundation for all of their hard work in getting these funds into the hands of the citizens and organizations in need,” Mattingly added.
Daviess County Fiscal Court continues to deliver a balanced budget, while providing all of the services required by statute.
Other highlights from the past year include:
- Renovation of the Operations Center to accommodate a KYTC Regional Driver Licensing Office for REAL ID credentials
- New digital radio system to improve communication for first responders
- Remodel of the Courtroom to improve accessibility
- Continued upgrades to the county parks systems, including an upcoming ‘Playground for All’ at Horse Fork Creek Park
- Addition of Wi-Fi hotspots at volunteer fire stations to support remote learning
“We will look at ways to expand Internet service into those parts of our County that are not served or are underserved by working with local providers to increase speeds and expand service,” Mattingly said.
The Judge-Executive also mentioned a future partnership with EDC and the National Center for Economic Gardening through a five-company pilot program for primary job creation.
Watch the full address (below).