JACKSON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Sheriff John Hollan wouldn’t say it, but it’s fair to say others are thinking it. Hollan had to send everyone - deputies included - home yesterday at 4 pm, because his 2020 budget hasn’t been passed.
“We had some complaints, and we answered those complaints. (We) did our case work and the grand jury returned the indictments,” Hollan said.
He was referencing the twice-charged Judge/Executive Jeff Noble, who was ultimately indicted on charges of misuse of county funds. The Sheriff’s office made those arrests, and that is why some believe Hollan’s budget has been held up in consecutive years.
“I not 100% sure if that’s what’s bringing this about. I can’t say that,” Hollan said.
To be fair, and as Noble points out, the Fiscal Court approves the budget and Noble is just one member of said court. But some might think it’s a little ironic that Hollan’s office is apparently the only public entity in the county to have faced this problem in each of the last two years. He said he submitted his budget on time, with two weeks to spare. Noble said it came across his desk later than that.
“I guess we’re just in the right place at the wrong time,” Hollan joked about not having his budget approved in a timely manner, once again.
Regardless, Hollan is alone in this office at least through Monday, if not longer. His deputies and staff members will be missing at least one paycheck, and should something happen that requires a call to law enforcement, he’ll be forced to rely on the county’s other agencies, including local police and the area’s Kentucky State Police post.
“I’ll be here (working alone) until the budget is put in order, and passed,” he said.
Hollan is hopeful that’ll happen by Tuesday, if not sooner. He says he’ll remain on-call around the clock if anyone needs the services his office, and deputies would normally provide.
