Christian County Health Department officials accepted their Fiscal Year 2026 budget Monday night, moving forward unanimously with a balanced effort worth $6.18 million.
The decision comes nearly one year to the day, when board members agreed to a $5.7 million budget alongside $6.1 million in revenues — and it means little, to no, change is expected over the next 12 months.
In fact, according to Public Health Director Devin Brumfield, the accepted bonus schedule for employees and staff in this budget does mirror the last few years — and includes guidance and recommendations from the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Alongside Human Resource Manager Jarrod Cato, Brumfield confirmed at least 80% of the staff met at least the 5% raise, and those who didn’t meet highly-commendable ratings — through a rubric created at the state level — were put under varying degrees of development plans, and that employees are now able to respond to different areas of concern through these annual reviews.
Board of Health members also unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Public Health Tax Rate at 3.2 cents per $100 of assessed real property value, 3.2 cents per $100 of assessed personal property value, and 3.2 cents per $100 of assessed motor vehicle property value.
Brumfield said this rate has remained the same for at least a decade, with no changes recommended at the state level.
Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam noted that Christian County’s tax base has increased over the last three-to-four years, with the compensating rate lowering. Brumfield clarified.
In a report published two weeks by Herald-News Editor PJ Martin, near Glasgow, Director of Barren River District Health Department Matt Hunt said that only five counties in Kentucky didn’t have a tax to fund a health department: Metcalfe, Trigg, Nelson, Simpson and Hart. Barren County, he added, created one in 2023 valued at 2.25 cents per $100.
Hunt further stated that the Commonwealth’s average Public Health Tax Rate is 4.6 cents per $100, meaning Christian County 3.2 cents remains lower than most.
Dr. Joseph Dempsey, Christian County’s board chair, said Christian County and Oldham County were among the best-funded due to overall economic stability and the funding of pension plans.
In other health news:
— Board member Charles Turner, who also serves Jennie Stuart Health in a similar capacity, confirmed the merger with Deaconess should be fully integrated and operational by October. It was mentioned that delays are occurring as extensive training continues.
Turner also confirmed that a Public Health Forum has been planned for 6-8 PM Tuesday, September 9, at Virginia Street Baptist Church in order to discuss quality of life, transportation, food insecurity and other local concerns in Hopkinsville.
— Public Information Officer Cloie Rager said the five-year Community Health Assessment and its results were revealed by presentation in mid-March. The 256-page document, she noted, will serve as a major spur for public discussions and health department priorities, while highlighting key wins and concerns for Christian County.
Rager also confirmed that this year’s popular CCHD Block Party already has 12 community partners on board, and is scheduled for 2-6 PM October 1.
