If you’ve ever sat in the back of the Boone County Administration Building on a Tuesday afternoon, you know the vibe. It isn’t exactly a high-stakes courtroom drama, despite the name. In fact, that's the first thing people trip over. The Boone County KY Fiscal Court isn't a "court" in the way most of us think. No one is being sentenced to jail here. There aren't any lawyers arguing over DNA evidence.
Basically, it's a board of directors for a massive, multi-million dollar corporation—except the corporation is where you live.
The "Court" That Doesn't Judge
Honestly, the name is just a weird Kentucky holdover. Back in the day, the people running the county also handled minor legal disputes. Fast forward to 2026, and the "court" is strictly the legislative and executive branch of the county. They handle the money. They decide which roads get paved and which parks get a new playground.
The structure is pretty straightforward. You've got the County Judge/Executive, currently Gary W. Moore, who acts like a CEO. Then you have three commissioners. Together, they hold the purse strings for a budget that, for the FY2026 cycle, sits at over $270 million.
That’s a lot of zeros.
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Who Is Actually Running the Show?
Gary Moore has been in the driver's seat since 1998. That’s an eternity in politics. He’s got his hands in everything from national county associations (NACo) to local infrastructure. Beside him, you’ve usually got three commissioners representing different districts, though they are elected by the whole county.
They meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month. If you’re bored at 5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, you can catch them in Burlington or just watch the livestream. It's surprisingly illuminating. You’ll hear about everything from salt for the winter roads to massive tax incentive deals for companies near CVG airport.
Why You Should Care About the Budget
Most people only care about the Fiscal Court when their taxes go up or their trash doesn't get picked up. But there is some stuff happening right now that's actually kind of a big deal.
In late 2025, the court voted to lower the property tax rate to 9.2 cents per $100 of valuation. That’s the lowest it’s been in over 30 years. It sounds like a win—and it is for your wallet—but the court has to balance that with the fact that Boone is one of the fastest-growing counties in Kentucky. More people means more wear and tear on Ryle Road and more calls to the Sheriff’s Office.
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Where the Money Goes
The FY2026 budget isn't just a pile of cash; it's a complicated web of "funds."
- The General Fund: This is the big one. It covers the basic stuff—administration, some public safety, and general government fluff.
- Public Works: If you want your street plowed when it snows three inches, this is where that money lives.
- The Jail Fund: Running the jail in Burlington is expensive. We’re talking over $12 million a year just to keep the lights on and the staff paid.
- Capital Improvements: This is the "shiny new things" fund. Right now, they’re finishing up a massive $56 million push for various projects, including a new 40,000-square-foot Parks Department building.
The CVG Connection
You can't talk about the Boone County KY Fiscal Court without talking about the airport. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is technically in Boone County. It's a massive economic engine.
Recently, the court has been working with the state to funnel about $20 million into "Hangar Row." It’s this 350-acre plot south of the terminal. The goal is to turn it into a hub for plane maintenance. Why does this matter to you? Jobs. And tax revenue that doesn't come directly out of your paycheck.
Common Misconceptions
I get asked a lot of questions about what the court can and can’t do. Here’s the reality:
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- They don't control the schools. The Boone County School Board is a completely separate entity with its own tax rate. If you're mad about a new school tax, don't yell at Gary Moore; yell at the school board.
- They aren't the police. They fund the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, but the Sheriff is an independently elected official. The Fiscal Court provides the budget, but they don't tell the deputies who to arrest.
- They don't run the cities. If you live in Florence or Union, those cities have their own mayors and councils. The Fiscal Court handles the "unincorporated" areas and county-wide services like the library and health department.
What’s On the Horizon for 2026?
The 2026 legislative session in Frankfort is currently hammering out the state’s two-year road plan. The Fiscal Court is lobbying hard for money to fix the congestion around the airport and the I-75 interchanges.
Also, keep an eye on the solar farm debate. There’s been a lot of talk in recent meetings about where solar energy systems should be allowed to set up shop. It’s a classic "not in my backyard" vs. "we need renewable energy" showdown that the court has to mediate.
Actionable Steps for Residents
If you actually want to have a say in how your county is run, don't just complain on Facebook.
- Check the Agenda: They post them on the county website a few days before every meeting. Look for "First Readings" of ordinances—that’s your chance to see what’s coming before it becomes law.
- Watch the Tapes: If you can't make it to Burlington, the VieBit portal has all the archived videos. It’s better than reality TV, I promise.
- Speak Up: There is a public comment section at every meeting. You get three minutes. Use them wisely.
The Boone County KY Fiscal Court isn't just a boring government meeting. It's the place where the future of Northern Kentucky is actually being built, one ordinance at a time. Whether it's lowering your taxes or deciding where the next park goes, these four people have more impact on your daily life than almost anyone in D.C.
To stay informed, visit the official Boone County Government website and sign up for their "Your Boone County" newsletter. This provides direct updates on tax rate changes, project groundbreakings, and emergency alerts. You can also attend the next meeting at 2950 Washington Street in Burlington to see the process in person.