Statewide City/County Mergers Discussions

• (Kentucky}... The topic of merging county and city governments is gaining popularity in Kentucky. There have been several public discussions of the issue recently. In Hardin and McCracken counties, unification efforts are under way. In Spencer County, a similar effort is on hold until a court rules after a Taylorsville resident opposed to merging filed a lawsuit. The topic also is being discussed in the counties of Garrard, Estill and Anderson. Kentucky Association of Counties Executive Director Denny Nunnelley says its not surprising that the issue is coming up so often. With a sour economy, elected officials are pressured to work more efficiently, which leads to discussions of consolidating services or outright merger.