Franklin County Fiscal Court

09/17/2024

Join the United Way of the Bluegrass' signature volunteer event, Day of Action, happening on September 27th, there are multiple opportunities for volunteers to make a meaningful impact in Franklin County.

The Day of Action is a chance for individuals and groups to come together and make a difference in our community. Whether it’s helping with landscaping, gardening, or beautification projects, there are numerous ways to get involved.

Volunteer opportunities include:

•Simon House - Center Clean Up: https://uwbg.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/dayofaction24/event/9865fd5e-565c-4a3f-b195-5cfa8250e2c2

•Capital City Activity Center - Landscaping: https://uwbg.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/dayofaction24/event/56cff35f-b4c0-45b7-96e6-303a4567feef

•Thornhill Education Center - Gardening: https://uwbg.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/dayofaction24/event/57528ae4-962c-45a8-af16-8b58b1998f84

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, Eric Whisman Magistrate, J.w. Blackburn, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, Mike Harrod, Richard Tanner Magistrate District 5

09/17/2024

Judge Mueller, on the advice of Franklin County Fire Department Chief Brian Brewer, has issued a BURN BAN for Franklin County effective immediately.

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, J.w. Blackburn, Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, Eric Whisman Magistrate, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, Richard Tanner Magistrate District 5, Mike Harrod

09/17/2024

Franklin County Clerk's office is temporarily closed this morning (Tuesday September 17th) from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm for a State Computer upgrade.

09/16/2024

Did you know that the Lakeview Park Phase 1 project will consist of 7 new softball fields? This will include one 4-plex and one 3-plex. The fields will be built to NCAA regulation size. That means that they can be used for any women's softball game up to the collegiate level. The fields will also be suitable for use by youth baseball teams up to the 9-12-year-old level.

On the weekends the new complex will be scheduled for regional and national tournaments. This will help spur economic development in our community. However, they will be available for local team use during the week and on weekends when tournaments are not scheduled.

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, Eric Whisman Magistrate, J.w. Blackburn, Mike Harrod, Richard Tanner Magistrate District 5, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, Kentucky Capital Development Corporation - KCDC, Visit Frankfort, Frankfort Parks and Recreation

09/16/2024

Call of Special Meeting & Agenda, 9/17/24 at 11 AM:

09/13/2024

Congratulations to Sheriff Quire, Detective Wyatt and Deputy Terrell!

09/13/2024

Transportation Cabinet Awards Contract to Remove Closed Broadway Bridge in Frankfort to Ensure Safety and Reopen River Traffic

Kentucky River, part of River View Park remain closed at bridge

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 13, 2024) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) today awarded a contract to remove the closed Broadway Bridge in Frankfort to safely reopen a section of the Kentucky River and River View Park that were closed last month as a precaution to protect boaters and park visitors.

A $10.7 million contract to Haydon Bridge Co., Inc., and C.J. Mahan Construction in a joint venture was awarded based on the urgency of addressing public safety issues.

Demolition of the aging bridge, which has been closed to vehicles and pedestrians since 1993, will take place with the goal to reopen the river by Nov. 4.

On Aug. 4, sidewalk and railing debris fell from the bridge, prompting Transportation Cabinet crews to immediately inspect the closed structure and work with the City of Frankfort and the U.S. Coast Guard on measures to protect public safety.

“With a contract now in place, we will work as quickly as possible to eliminate hazards so that the waterway and walking trail access can be safely and fully restored,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray.
At the cabinet’s request, the U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone at Kentucky River mile markers 65.5 to 66, restricting all vessels from traveling under the structure. The Transportation Cabinet has also installed warning buoys.

The City of Frankfort has placed safety fencing and signs to block the walking trail and areas near the bridge at River View Park.
The demolition contract comes after KYTC rejected an initial bid that was significantly higher than estimates. Engineers identified ways to minimize the complex factors of demolition and reduce contractual risks then advertised again.

Preliminary demolition plans now call for removing the entire bridge without reusing any of the structure. Bridge spans near the city shoreline would be removed first to quickly reopen the river to boat traffic – it primarily serves recreational vessels and a few commercial tour boats – and restore park access later this year.
The contractor will have until Nov. 4 to remove Span 4 of the Broadway Bridge and open a Kentucky River channel. The deadline to remove Span 1 and reopen River View Trail is Dec. 31. Total contract completion date is Sept. 1, 2025.

In August, engineers had investigated short-term methods to alleviate safety concerns and reopen waterway traffic, such as adding nets or removing loose debris, but those were not safe or feasible options because of the bridge’s deteriorated condition.

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, Eric Whisman Magistrate, J.w. Blackburn, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, Richard Tanner Magistrate District 5, Mike Harrod

09/13/2024

Upcoming Committee Meetings

Administrative Services
Tuesday, August 17, 2024 at 9:30 AM

Agenda:https://franklincounty.ky.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Admin-Serv-Comm-9-17-24.pdf

09/13/2024

Voting is currently open for citizens on potential designs for a new flag for the City of Frankfort. The new concepts were developed through an intensive process undertaken by the Frankfort Kentucky Flag Initiative. We encourage everyone to visit their website ASAP as the voting period ends this Sunday.

Vote online at https://frankfortflag.org/

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, J.w. Blackburn, Eric Whisman Magistrate, Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, Richard Tanner Magistrate District 5, Mike Harrod

09/12/2024

The Franklin County Clerk's office is currently closed due to a state wide computer outage.

More updates will be posted as new information becomes available.

09/11/2024

Franklin County Fiscal Court Special Meeting 9/11/2024

09/11/2024

The Frankfort-Franklin County Office of Emergency Management, with the Frankfort Fire Department and Frankfort Regional Medical Center are required annually to conduct exercises to test plans, responses, and capabilities. This year we will be participating in a multi-agency exercise and training on Wednesday, September 11th from 900 am to 100pm

Location: Frankfort Fire Training Center, Kentucky Avenue, near Lock 4

09/10/2024

Today, we hosted a tour of our animal composting facility to a group of officials from Montgomery County. It was led by Franklin County KY Solid Waste Coordinator Ally Hall and Environmental Code Enforcement Officer Will Cunningham. The tour was attended by Montgomery County Agriculture Extension Agent Gary Hamilton, Montgomery County Solid Waste Coordinator Donny Pennington, and members of the Montgomery County Cattleman's Association.

We are proud to be able to showcase our wonderful facility to other communities around the state. Franklin County was a pioneer in animal composting. We began operating this facility on January 25, 2016. At that time, it was only the 4th such complex in the state and the 2nd county-operated composting site. Over time, it has saved the county thousands of dollars in landfill disposal fees.

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, Richard Tanner Magistrate District 5, Mike Harrod, J.w. Blackburn, Eric Whisman Magistrate,Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Service, Mt Sterling Kentucky, Montgomery County Fiscal Court

09/10/2024

Fiscal Court Meeting Call & Amended Agenda, 9/11/24 at 5 PM:

09/09/2024

TRAFFIC ADVISORY | Franklin County

KY 12 (Dry Ridge Road) will be closed from mile point 3.4 (at the KY 12 and U.S. 421 intersection) to mile point 1.0 (at the KY 12 and KY 1570 intersection) daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and nightly from 6 p.m. to midnight beginning Tuesday, Sept. 10, through Friday, Sept. 13.

The closures are necessary as crews work to replace cross drains along the route. Motorists should expect to follow detours around the affected area while work is underway. Local thru traffic will be directed through the work zone via flagging.

Following the replacement of the cross drains, crews will place a layer of dense-grade rock over the drains until asphalt can be laid. Drivers should exercise caution when driving over the newly replaced cross drains.

09/07/2024

Veteran Service Officers are now at the VFW Post 4075 . Do you or anyone you know need help with their VA Benefits? Please contact the VFW Post 4075 for assistance.

09/06/2024

Upcoming Committee Meeting

Finance
Monday, September 9, 2024 at 10:30 AM

Agenda:https://franklincounty.ky.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/09-09-24-Finance-Committee-Agenda.pdf

09/06/2024

Amended Agenda:https://franklincounty.ky.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/9-11-2024-Meeting-Call-Amended-Agenda.pdf

9/11/24 Call of Special Meeting & Agenda at 5 PM:

09/05/2024

There was a lot of work being completed onsite at the new county road department today. Contractors were busy preparing stone base for the new parking lot. Recently, the concreate apron around the new maintenance building was poured. Additionally, the new, large garage doors were also installed. The court is anxiously awaiting the completion of this project. These modern facilities will allow us to better serve the constituents of Franklin County.

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, Eric Whisman Magistrate, J.w. Blackburn, Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, Richard Tanner Magistrate District 5, Mike Harrod, Codell Construction Company The Frankfort State Journal

09/05/2024

The VFW Post 4075 will have a Gold Star Family Program on September 18th. They are looking for our Gold Star Families. If you are or know of a Gold Star Family, please let Edna Taylor know. Her number is (502) 320-8255

09/01/2024

Check out this rendering of the new Phase 1 improvements to the Softball complex at Lakeview Park!

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, J.w. Blackburn, Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, Eric Whisman Magistrate, Richard Tanner Magistrate District 5, Mike Harrod

08/30/2024

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, all County administrative offices will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, 2024. We will resume normal hours at 8 AM on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024.

08/30/2024

Fiscal Court Meeting 8/30/24

08/30/2024

An update from Frankfort, Kentucky regarding ADA accessibility to downtown following the unexpected closure of the Signing Bridge.

During the closure of the Singing Bridge, ADA accessibility IS available via the Capital Avenue/War Mother's Memorial Bridge. This access is on the EAST side of the bridge.

Coming from Second Street/South Frankfort, cross to the east side of Capitol Avenue (VFW side) and cross on this side of the bridge. Use the pedestrian traffic crossing at the end of the bridge at East Main to cross and continue into downtown.

Coming from downtown, on Main Street (in front of Bourbon on Main and Blanton's Landing), cross at the High Street intersection to the north side of Main Street. Use the pedestrian traffic crossing at East Main to continue onto the bridge to Second Street.

The City of Frankfort understands the closure of the Singing Bridge puts a significant strain on pedestrian traffic and is actively working on solutions. Updates will be posted here as information becomes available in the coming days. As always, we thank you for your patience as we all work together to navigate the current situation.

08/30/2024

Here is the official update from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 5 regarding the Singing Bridge Closure:

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive. Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, J.w. Blackburn, Eric Whisman Magistrate, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, Mike Harrod

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises the public of the immediate closure of the ‘Singing Bridge', which carries U.S. 60X over the Kentucky River in downtown Frankfort, due to structural safety concerns. As a precaution to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, the bridge will be closed until further notice.

The recent routine inspection of the 130-year-old bridge found significant structural deterioration that affects the bridge’s weight-carrying capacity, prompting state engineers to close the bridge immediately to vehicles and pedestrians. Before being closed, the bridge had a weight limit of 4 tons following a 2022 inspection.

Further assessments and evaluations are needed to determine the next steps. There is no estimated timeframe for the bridge's reopening.

The Transportation Cabinet appreciates the public's patience and cooperation as it works to ensure the safety of our infrastructure for Kentuckians, and will continue to keep the public informed.

The bridge serves approximately 3,400 vehicles per day.

Motorists should utilize the U.S. 60 (Capital Avenue) bridge as an alternate route.

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Ready Frankfort
City of Frankfort Public Works
Franklin County Fiscal Court
Franklin County Fire Department
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office KY

08/30/2024

TRAFFIC ALERT!
SINGING BRIDGE CLOSURE

Ready Frankfort received a notice from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet this morning that the Singing Bridge inspection on Wednesday revealed deficiencies that will require the immediate closure of the bridge.

This closure will be for vehicles and pedestrians.

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive, Eric Whisman Magistrate, Kelly Dycus for Magistrate, J.w. Blackburn, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office KY, Sherry Sebastian Magistrate, Richard Tanner Magistrate District 5, Mike Harrod, Froggy KY Country, Cable 10 - Community Television, Frankfort Plant Board, Frankfort, Kentucky - City Hall, The Frankfort State Journal, Franklin County Fire Department, Franklin County Health Department, KY

08/30/2024

The Frankfort Police Department asks for the community's help locating Eden A. Ballinger. Eden is 13 years old, approximately 5'5” tall, and weighs about 115 lbs. He is a white male with brown hair above his ear and brown eyes. Eden was last seen around 4:30 pm on August 29, 2024, in the area of Meredith Avenue. Eden was last seen wearing white jeans, a red t-shirt, and red, white, and black Jordan sneakers. If you have any information regarding Eden A. Ballinger’s whereabouts, please contact the Frankfort/Franklin County E911 Dispatch Center at (502) 875-8582.

***UPDATE***
08/29/2024 at 11:30 pm
Eden A. Ballinger has been located.

The Frankfort Police Department asks for the community's help locating Eden A. Ballinger. Eden is 13 years old, approximately 5'5” tall, and weighs about 115 lbs. He is a white male with brown hair above his ear and brown eyes. Eden was last seen around 4:30 pm on August 29, 2024, in the area of Meredith Avenue. Eden was last seen wearing white jeans, a red t-shirt, and red, white, and black Jordan sneakers. If you have any information regarding Eden A. Ballinger’s whereabouts, please contact the Frankfort/Franklin County E911 Dispatch Center at (502) 875-8582.

08/29/2024

Michael Mueller, Franklin County Judge Executive was on Cable 10 - Community Television's Around 10 morning show last Monday. During the segment the Judge talked about the important work that is currently being completed by your county government. If you missed his live appearance you can watch a replay below!