County and city officials ratified the 2024-25 Pennyrile Area Development District budget last week, bringing definition to what the next fiscal year should look like for local municipalities.
Kevin Cotton, PeADD treasurer and mayor of Madisonville, made four notes on ledger expectations:
*First, total revenues are projected at $25.9 million, a decrease of nearly $1.2 million compared to last year.
*Second, the Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living budget line decreased by 4% from 2023-24, due to the expended American Rescue Plan Act monies, and a reduction in expanded senior meal program funding. There is, however, an increase in the veteran’s directed care program expenditure — due to the multi-state network expansion.
*Third, training and workforce development will decrease 9% behind core funding allocation reductions, based on mid-year analysis of workforce and economic factors in the Pennyrile and Purchase regions. There is a plan, he said, for the application of additional grant funds to bolster this capital void.
*And fourth, community and economic development will have its budget decrease 5% due to the expiration of broadband planning and spending, as well as a lowering of hazard and mitigation funds.
In summary, an operating budget of nearly $5.9 million leaves more than $20 million for passthrough to direct services in the nine-county region. This, he added, includes a 4.3% cost-of-living and merit-based increase for PeADD staff, as well as an increase to benefits due to the rising costs of health insurance.
Amy Frogue, PeADD’s community & economic development director, said the overall mission of her department is to assist cities and counties put their projects into action — in order to create a better place for citizens to work, live and play.
Jill Collins, Pennyrile’s director on AAAIL, said their efforts continue to be critical for the region’s most needy.
In fact, July’s wait list for meals was down to fewer than 125 people, but does include 27 requests in Hopkins County, 16 requests in Todd County, 15 requests in Caldwell County, nine requests in Christian County, eight requests in Lyon County, and four requests in Trigg County.
Sheila Clark, executive director of the West Kentucky Workforce Board, said while their budget had gone down for their five service locations, a new piece of legislation is gaining traction at several levels.
In other PeADD news:
— PeADD Executive Director Jason Vincent said he expects a considerable local contingent to attend the 2024 Governor’s Local Issues Conference, which is scheduled for August 7-9 at the Galt House in Louisville.
Filled with informative sessions about grants and funding opportunities for the Commonwealth’s communities, it’s also a major networking event for officials and state leaders. Last year, the conference hosted more than 800 people representing all 120 counties, and that expectation continues.
Vincent said PeADD would be covering the registration fee, travel expenses and lodging for any citizen members of PeADD wishing to take the time to participate.
— Vincent also noted it was already time to start thinking about the 2024 National Association of Development Organizations Annual Training Conference, which this year is scheduled for October 21-24 in New Orleans. Industry leaders, policy makers and professionals from across the country will convene on Canal Street.
