Castlen touts public safety in State of the County address
Daviess Fiscal Court achieved several accomplishments in 2024 that have made Daviess County a better place to work and live now — and in the future.
Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen delivered that message Thursday morning during his State of the County address at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Rooster Booster breakfast at the Owensboro Convention Center.
“County government is unique in the diversity of the services that we provide,” Castlen said. “From county fire protection to road maintenance, to solid waste and parks, our administration is committed to providing good service in each of these areas, while being fiscally responsible at every turn. Each year we pass a balanced budget as required by state law. This strong financial foundation has allowed us to build a promising future for the next generation to grow, live, work and play.”
Public safety issues were a significant focus of Castlen’s address, with him pointing to the public safety facility that will be built at the intersection of U.S. Highway 231 and Foors Lane as being crucial to improving response times for emergency personnel, with the building to be home to a third county fire station and the patrol division of the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.
“Daviess County has seen a 30% increase in runs for fire responders, the bulk of that being with medical responses,” he said. “The fire station would provide better coverage for our community with additional manpower. Six career firefighters will be added to the staff. For the sheriff’s office, this facility will eliminate having to travel the entire length of the city to answer calls. It will also free up parking near the courthouse.
“Other agencies may be housed in the facility, including the (emergency management agency), the coroner’s office and backup (911) dispatch system.”
Castlen noted Fiscal Court approved the sheriff’s office purchasing body cameras for every patrol deputy, as well as having increased the number of deputies on the road and court security at the Morton J. Holbrook Judicial Center.
“This is a huge step forward for the citizens of our county, to whom we are accountable, as well as to the deputies who are sworn to protect and serve,” said Castlen about the body cameras. “Sheriff (Brad Youngman) launched other initiatives … including a drug unit and new K-9 officer, plus digital forensics technology to helps solve crimes.”
Castlen also praised the EMT certification program in which it’s in partnership with the City of Owensboro, Henderson and Owensboro Community and Technical College.
“Hiring has become a greater challenge,” he said. “This agreement will help recruits complete their EMT certification more quickly. I want to thank God for (OCTC President) Scott Williams, for his cooperation in helping get this program going. He has been a tremendous blessing and a tremendous asset to our community.”
The county is also in the process of adding nearly 100 fire hydrants in the county, with 20 having already been installed in the Daviess County Water District service area. The county’’s fire department also received an improved Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which has the potential to lower homeowners’ insurance premiums.
Fiscal Court also is in the design phase of a renovation of Building 1 at the Daviess County Detention Center.
“The renovation will address numerous mechanical and structural issues in an aging facility,” Castlen said.
Castlen announced that construction is nearly complete on a new clean energy facility at the landfill. The facility will convert landfill gas into a commercial grade product of pipeline quality.
Fiscal Court also approved the transfer station once again accepting construction and demolition debris when construction of a new office building and pad is complete.
“This decision will ultimately help our contractors and staff, keeping the materials separate from the regular solid waste and more manageable for handling,” said Castlen, who noted the decision has been well received by contractors. “We were at a place where it was unsustainable for our staff, the way we were doing things at the transfer station. We really had no choice but to do what we did. But now after we’ve had a breather, we’ve come up with a solution that I think everybody in the community will be pleased with.”
Part of the push to allow contractors to use the landfill was the litter trucks hauling loads to the landfill created. Castlen reiterated his desire for a cleaner Daviess County, encouraging everyone to take a “not on my block” approach.
“It breaks my heart that we do not keep our community clean,” he said. “Please think twice before you toss a bag from McDonald’s, or leave waste in your truck bed that blows out. Make a point to throw it away. While I’m judge-executive, this issue will continue to be a huge priority for our solid waste department, and it must be a community effort. We need everyone to do their part.”
Castlen said details about an expanded Trash for Cash program, in which nonprofits clean roadways to raise funds, will be announced soon.
Castlen also noted the Daviess County Parks Department had a big year with several events. Yellow Creek Park will have updated restrooms, and one shelter at both Yellow Creek and Panther Creek parks are being redone.
“I think our parks are a hidden gem in our community,” he said.
During the current fiscal year, the county is resurfacing more than 18 miles of roads, and it has been involved in two bridge replacements, with a third underway.
Castlen also noted the amount of economic development the county saw in 2024, with Mizkan, R+L Carriers, Swedish Match and Foam Solutions combining to make $413 million in investments in the community that will add 727 new jobs.
“Fiscal Court will continue to be a partner in economic development as companies seek to relocate here and hire from our talented workforce,” Castlen said.
By Scott Hagerman Messenger-Inquirer