COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE

One of the primary duties of the County Judge Executive is the preparation and periodic review of the County Administrative Code. This document spells out detailed procedures for the administration of county government and must include provisions for personnel administration, fiscal management, purchasing, and the general administration of county government. (Watch our web site for a downloadable version of Nelson County’s Administrative Code.)

The County Judge Executive shares financial administration duties with the County Treasurer (KRS Chapter 68). The Treasurer is responsible for safekeeping all County monies, depositing all receipts, disbursing funds as authorized by the Fiscal Court, and maintaining the County’s accounting system. These administrative duties support the County Judge Executive’s responsibilities for financial management and reporting in accordance with the uniform system of accounts established by the State Local Finance Officer (SLFO). The Treasurer is appointed by the Fiscal Court for a four year term by June 30, beginning in 1999 and every four years thereafter.

KRS 68.240 mandates the Judge to prepare a budget proposal and submit this proposal to the fiscal court by May 1 for discussion and approval. The Fiscal Court must adopt a final budget by July 1 of each year. The budget is also subject to review by the SLFO, who examines it for form and classification. The Fiscal Court can only adopt the budget after the SLFO has approved it. Once the Fiscal Court adopts the final budget, the County Judge Executive certifies the approval of the budget to the SLFO, and is then responsible for the administration of the budget ordinance. The budget may also be amended during the year, with revisions to the budget ordinance or transfers among expenditure line-items in the budget.

Ongoing financial administration duties include periodic financial reporting to the Fiscal Court outlining the financial needs and conditions of the county. All claims must be present to the Fiscal Court prior to payment. The County Judge Executive and the Treasurer cosign all payments for claims after Court approval. The Fiscal Court adopts standing orders at the beginning of each fiscal year that outlines recurring monthly payments for utilities, debt service, and payroll to ensure these items are paid by the appropriate due dates.

The County Judge Executive is also responsible for personnel administration, appointing, supervising, and discipline of county employees. The Fiscal court annually adopts a salary schedule that outlines the authorized positions and rates of pay for all county employees. The County Judge Executive also appoints, with the approval of the fiscal court members for various boards and commissions.

Other administrative duties of the County Judge Executive include serving as the County Alcoholic Beverage Administrator, working with the Jailer to implement work-release programs, serving on certain boards and commissions, and oversight of special districts. Nelson County’s Judge Executive serves on the Nelson County Economic Development Agency, Bardstown Industrial Development Corporation, Lincoln Trail Health Department, and the Lincoln Trail Area Development Council.  Special districts in Nelson County include the Nelson County Public Library, Extension Service, North Nelson Water District, and North Nelson Fire District.