Warren County approves record $98M budget, honors local leaders

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Warren Fiscal Court has approved a record-high $98.1 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, marking a significant increase from last year’s roughly $81.3 million spending plan.

County leaders say the budget includes major investments in public safety, infrastructure and quality of life projects, including fire department equipment, road resurfacing, baseball field upgrades, improvements at the SoKY Ice Rink and water and sewer projects.

“This is a budget that reflects health and safety and quality of life for all 150-thousand citizens of Warren County,” Judge-Executive Doug Gorman said.

Gorman also said the budget includes funding tied to upcoming capital projects, with the county preparing to sell bonds next month.

He said Warren County has received an Aa1 bond rating from Moody’s Ratings, which he said reflects the county’s financial strength and helps secure lower borrowing costs for future projects.

“They’ve rated Warren County at Aa1… that goes to our financial strength,” Gorman said.

Fiscal Court also recognized former Bowling Green Mayor Johnny Webb for his nearly three decades of service on the Intermodal Transportation Authority Board, where officials said he helped guide the development of the Kentucky Transpark.

Officials also honored Chris Gravil, the I-65 and I-165 foreman with Warren County Parks and Recreation, who is retiring after years maintaining the county’s Beautify-65 corridor and iconic interstate flag displays.

Officials said Gravil’s work helped shape one of the county’s most visible symbols of community pride.

When asked what he hopes people think when they drive by the flags, Gravil said:

“I hope they remember that we are a welcoming community. Everyone’s welcome here.”

The meeting also touched on voter participation, with County Clerk Lynette Yates reporting turnout in Warren County’s recent primary election reached just 17.4% of registered voters.