Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen delivered his “State of the County” address Thursday during the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Rooster Booster breakfast at the Owensboro Convention Center.
Castlen noted numerous accomplishments Fiscal Court has achieved during the past year, as well as during the first three years of its current term, and he said it all starts with being fiscally responsible.
“We operate with a balanced budget,” Castlen said. “This strong financial position has allowed us to build a promising future for the next generation to grow, live, work and play.”
Castlen said Fiscal Court continues to be a strong supporter of economic development in the community. He noted that over the past three years, the county has had “what is undeniably the strongest run of economic growth by any Fiscal Court in recent memory,” with more than $415 million in new investment and 727 new jobs created since taking office.
Castlen noted the county faced two significant weather events last year, a hailstorm on March 15 followed by historic flooding in April. But he said the situation could have been much worse if not for fellow citizens, volunteers and first responders stepping up to help others in bad situations.
“I want to thank both Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman and Daviess County Clerk Leslie McCarty and their support staff for the hard work dealing with the aftermath of the hailstorm, as they processed nearly 9,000 hail-damaged titles, while continuing to deal with regular operations,” Castlen said. “I also want to thank all of our Solid Waste employees for their incredible work during the hailstorm and flood aftermath. From May and for several months following, our construction, demolition and debris (CD&D) volume was approximately four times the normal monthly amount.
“I commend the staff in all three areas for their creativity, dedication and service to our residents during this challenging time.”
Castlen said Fiscal Court has put much attention on improving public safety, including it having approved a significant pay raise for sheriff’s deputies that made the department more competitive with peer agencies, strengthening recruitment and retention. He also cited a recent pay hike for court security officers and the funding for six additional positions in the department.
“Daviess County Fiscal Court also supported key initiatives, including creating the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office’s first-ever cold case detective, and purchasing a radar trailer to improve roadway safety and reduce speeding,” Castlen said.
Castlen said Fiscal Court has been able to meet the needs of the volunteer fire departments, including an additional $100,000 that was added to the budget for capital replacement and station maintenance, and ongoing support continues for the Daviess County Fire Department Paramedic Program, with a continued focus on advancing firefighter medical readiness and strengthening interagency cooperation.
“The Daviess County Fire Department has launched an Advanced EMT program in partnership with Owensboro Community College,” Castlen said. “Two firefighters have already completed the program, with two more beginning this month. With these additions, the department is on track to have more than 50% of its personnel certified at the Advanced Life Support level by the end of 2026.
“This initiative made us the first non-transport Advanced Life Support provider in the commonwealth.”
Castlen said significant progress is being made on the new Public Safety Facility, “which remains one of our most impactful public safety investments.”
The design team has completed over 75% of the building blueprints.
The new facility is designed to house a new Daviess County Fire Department station, sheriff’s office patrol division, Emergency Management Agency department and a fully-equipped backup dispatch center.
“We anticipate the project will be ready to go out for bid in early spring,” Castlen said. “Additionally, this building will have space that serves as a shelter during severe weather events, living up to its name of a Public Safety Facility.”
Castlen noted significant salary increases were approved for deputy jailers to keep their pay competitive and award excellent performance, and Fiscal Court is moving forward with substantial renovations of the Daviess County Detention Center, a project with an estimated cost of $40 million. The project is expected to extend the life of Building One by 25 years.
“Because Daviess County carries virtually no existing debt, Fiscal Court can comfortably bond this project and absorb the cost of any additional personnel resulting from the expansion,” Castlen said. “Because of the conservative bent of this court, we are in excellent financial position.”
Castlen said between its contract with Gish Lawn & Landscape, LLC., nonprofit organizations and jail crews, just under 63 tons of trash was collected last year from Daviess County roadsides.
Castlen noted that construction is underway on a new CD&D pad to allow for proper separation of solid waste from construction debris at the Transfer Station. The project is necessary to meet state law that requires the trash tipping floor be cleared daily and to address operational challenges caused by increasing CD&D volume.
“Once completed, the new pad will make daily operations safer, more efficient and more manageable,” Castlen said.
Castlen said after many years of planning and attempts by two previous courts, the current administration successfully completed the Landfill Natural Gas project in partnership with Redtail Renewables, opening on Oct. 31 of last year. The project captures natural gas created from decomposing waste and converts it into clean, pipeline-quality gas, replacing the old flare system that wasted a valuable marketable asset.
“This public private partnership, completed without taxpayer funds, demonstrates an administration that gets things done,” Castlen said.
Castlen said the County Clerk’s Office has expanded its inventory of modern, secure election equipment through funding from Fiscal Court and Kentucky Election grants. The office now operates 67 print-on-demand devices, 63 scanners, 20 ADA ballot marking devices and over 90 electronic pollbooks.
“I have full confidence in our clerk’s office to oversee elections with the utmost integrity,” Castlen said.
Castlen said for Fiscal Year 2025-26, the county will resurface nearly 13 miles of county roads. He also noted Fiscal Court has invested a total of $3.8 million in initiatives that educate, inspire and bring people together, including having invested $2.5 million towards construction of the new Senior Community Center.
Castlen concluded his remarks by saying Daviess County has made great progress, thanks to the dedication of county staff and the support of the community.
“From advancing public safety initiatives and moving forward on projects like the CD&D pad and the Landfill Gas project, to investing $3.8 million in arts, education, and senior programs, we are building a stronger, more connected county,” Castlen said. “Everyday improvements like litter collection also show our commitment to keeping Daviess County a great place to live. We are truly thankful for our hardworking staff, our partners and our engaged community.
“Yes, that is you — and together, we are not just meeting expectations, we are setting the standard for what a county can achieve.”
By: Scott Hagerman Messenger-Inquirer