A major talking point in the last six months, more than $70 million in the 2024-26 biennium budget is earmarked for major road projects in Christian County.
Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam told Your News Edge he went to Frankfort at least eight times in February alone for face-to-face conversations — most of which wrapped around those improvements to specific infrastructure.
And going forward, it won’t be an immediate process.
Meanwhile, the push for widening I-24, he said, is more than just a Christian County and Clarksville, Tennessee effort — and is directly related to the changes coming to 115 and beyond.
Gilliam noted that other regional legislators have climbed on board the caucus for its widening, in efforts to try and increase the clamor for its need.
In other fiscal court news:
— Gilliam said Christian County fiscal year 2024-25 budget hearings were held last week with every agency in the community, and a first reading is expected at the opening of May, with a second and final reading and approval planned for mid-June.
He said it was important to assess and prioritize agency messaging in line with the court’s plans and goals, while taking all asks into consideration.
Gilliam also said he was keenly aware of recent discussions being held with the Christian County Ambulance Board, and he noted the community is “very fortunate” and “proud of the fact” that unit was a self-sustaining board, and there is desire to continue that by exploring “every opportunity to keep it like it is.”
— During Tuesday morning’s brief, but important, fiscal court meeting, Gilliam told magistrates the budget address would be held 9 AM May 10.
