Away for eight years in the State Senate after serving as Trigg County’s judge-executive, Stan Humphries returned to a familiar chair in 2023.
During his Friday morning discussion with News Edge’s Joshua Claussen and Cindy Allen Lax, he called it a “good year” in lots of ways, a little different than his prior stint, and he hoped the fiscal court had, so far, made good decisions.
Looking back, Humphries said he’s heard compliments and cheers from other local authorities — celebrating some of the growth Trigg County has experienced in the last fiscal calendar.
Trigg County, he added, possesses many attractive facets for natives and newcomers alike.
Humphries also offered a reminder of just how busy the area has been:
— In the last year, and for the first time in history, Trigg County passed $1 billion in property valuation;
— In response, the fiscal court lowered real estate tax, hospital tax and ambulance tax by a fraction;
— The Tennessee Valley Authority and Cadiz-Trigg County Industrial Authority started a completed a spec building near I-24;
— The Trigg County Recreation Complex experienced improvements in netting and fences for fields;
— Chip, seal and paving efforts improved 20 of 450 county road miles, with more projects awaiting completion;
— And in March, local and regional first-responders rapidly responded to a horrific two-helicopter crash, that claimed the lives of nine Fort Campbell soldiers.
So what will fiscal court focus intently on in 2024?
First and foremost: the budgeting process. And from there, Humphries said he’s hoping to put his eight years in Frankfort to use with discussions surrounding TVA’s annual in lieu of tax monies, as well as a dire need for more road funding — considering it currently costs around $100,000 per mile in most of west Kentucky.
Humphries said citizens will continue to see a push for branched fiber connections next year, through contracts with Pennyrile Electric and HES, while addressing the needs of a new Trigg County Rescue building, a renewed bid process for the Trigg County Recreation Complex concession stand, and the finalization of a location for a distinct veteran’s memorial facility.
Last, and certainly not least, Humphries said the community is ready for a spec building tenant.
Fiscal court next meets in special session 6 PM Tuesday, January 2.
