By Allyson Dix
For Glasgow News 1
The Barren County Fiscal Court approved several business items during its regular meeting on Oct. 20.
While not listed on the day’s agenda, Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd announced that the county had received an agreement from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on Oct. 19 for the county’s allocated flex road funds.
Magistrates unanimously approved entering into the agreement with KYTC to receive $213,860 to resurface portions of Chenoweth Road, Peters Creek Road, and Oak Ridge School Road.
A motion to seek bids for replacing the low water ford on Glover Road was unanimously approved by magistrates. Magistrate Tim Coomer, who also chairs the county’s transportation committee, said the committee met the previous day to discuss the matter. Byrd said that FEMA funds had already been received to complete the work. Oct. 30 is the deadline to submit bids for the project.
A contract agreement totaling $76,886 for the Sheriff’s Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program was approved by the court. Sheriff-elect Adam Bow said the Barren River Area Development District assisted the sheriff’s office in applying for the JAG grant.
“These funds are going to improve our communications with our radios,” Bow said, adding that the department has trouble with its handheld radios.
Specifically, Bow said the funds will be used to purchase a repeater system that will improve stronger communications with dispatch.
Barren County Sheriff-elect Adam Bow told the Barren County Fiscal Court that the sheriff’s department is the recipient of a $76K grant through the Justice Assistance Grant program on Oct. 20, 2026. The department plans to use the funds for improved radio communications. Allyson Dix/For Glasgow News 1
Department Reports
Barren County Coroner Tim Gibson reported 16 deaths for the month of September, with 14 from natural causes and one accidental death due to a motor vehicle collision. An additional death investigation remains pending an autopsy report.
Five natural deaths have occurred since Oct. 1, Gibson said.
Referencing an earlier sentiment made by Deputy Judge-Executive Gilliam Garland, Gibson said, “I stand here every month and I give you these numbers. There’s a whole lot behind these 16 death investigations than me just standing here telling you.”
Those numbers represent interactions with 16 different families during the worst time in their lives, he added.
“We have feelings for these families and we get to interact with families in an emotional and in a way you probably wouldn’t any other time. When I say these numbers, just remember these families in your prayers,” Gibson said.
Barren County Clerk Helena Chase Birdwell announced that 11:59 p.m. tonight is the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail for the November General Election.
An absentee ballot can be requested through the state’s online portal at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/abrweb or by calling the county clerk’s office at 270-651-3783.
Birdwell also reported that excess fees totaling just over $414,000 had been submitted to the county for the third quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to more than $1.2 million.
Birdwell said the delinquent tax bill sale in September generated $158,197.50, adding that the amounts owed to the various taxing districts have already been turned over.
Parks and Rec Director Chris Jennings reported that the youth fall sports season is nearing its conclusion, with a tournament scheduled for next week. Jennings also reported a revenue amount of $52,474.50 for the month of September.
Road Supervisor Jamie Degroft shared updates from the ongoing road maintenance.
“We’ve been in a drought situation, but the good thing is we have got a lot accomplished at the road department,” Degroft said.
He reported on several projects the road department has been tackling, ranging from drainage work, resurfacing, and mowing.
Degroft said that District 3 is currently being mowed and the 3rd mowing cycle is nearing completion. He also said District 2 is a priority to ensure the tall Johnson grass is removed before winter. Paving has also been completed on Horton Rigdon, Harry King, Hollow, and Caveland Roads.
Sheriff Kent Keen reported the the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has paid the county $24,700 for patrol around campgrounds and boat ramps, marking the end of the season.
The first day property owners can pay property taxes is on Nov. 2, Keen said.
“Barren County is scheduled to come up for $36 million dollars total, if everybody paid on time,” Keen said.
Keen said tax bills are expected to arrive in mailboxes around Oct. 31, but payments cannot be made until Nov. 2.
Invoices and Payments
The fiscal court approved $180,659.92 in payments and invoices, as well an outstanding claims list totaling $69,883.91 for claims between Oct. 5 and Oct. 16, 2026.
Next meeting
The Barren County Fiscal Court will not meet on Nov. 3, 2026, due to Election Day. Byrd said unless a special-called meeting is needed, the next regular meeting will be held on Nov. 17, 2026, at 9 a.m.
