MORGAN COUNTY, Ky. — The Morgan County Fiscal Court has approved new compensation rates for elected officials for the 2027 term, including a significant increase in pay for county magistrates.
According to official meeting records from an April 30, 2026 Fiscal Court meeting, magistrates voted to approve the updated compensation rates as presented. The motion passed with a majority vote, with Magistrates Tommy Fannin, Tyler Keeton, and Eric Pelfrey voting in favor, while Brandon Evans and Leroy Phipps voted against the measure.
Documents associated with the meeting show the annual salary for county magistrates set at $18,000, compared to a previously reported figure of approximately $8,400, representing a substantial increase. Other listed salaries include $18,000 for County Coroner, $25,000 for County Attorney, and $45,000 for County Jailer.
The compensation adjustments are required under KRS 64.530, which mandates that fiscal courts set salaries for elected officials by the first Monday in May of the election year.
Public Concerns and Ongoing Funding Discussions
The vote comes amid ongoing discussions in Morgan County regarding funding for essential services, including local fire departments. Some residents have raised concerns about financial constraints cited in relation to proposals such as a potential fire tax intended to support departments like the Wrigley Fire Department, which has publicly indicated it may face operational challenges without additional funding.
Community members and local officials have expressed differing viewpoints on the timing and scope of the compensation increases, with some calling for additional transparency and others noting the legal requirement to set salaries within a specific timeframe.
Access to Meeting Information
Details regarding the compensation changes were made available through the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) eMeeting portal, where official Fiscal Court agendas and attachments can be accessed. However, some residents have noted that navigating the system may require multiple steps to locate specific documents.
Continuing Coverage
The Morehead Minute will continue to follow this story and seek additional comment from Morgan County officials regarding the decision, the rationale behind the increases, and the status of funding discussions for local emergency services.
Residents with additional information or official statements are encouraged to reach out.