ICYMI: A Look at What’s Ahead for Jessamine County

From new public facilities and expanded emergency services to economic development and recreation, several major projects are taking shape across Jessamine County as the community continues to grow.

Jessamine County Judge/Executive David West recently joined Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter to update local business and community leaders on current projects, public services and plans for the future. The joint presentation highlighted the work underway across both local governments, as well as the partnerships helping move many of these efforts forward.

West also provided an overview of the many responsibilities of County government. Jessamine County provides or supports services ranging from roads, Ambulance and 911 to emergency management, animal care and control, fleet services and facility operations. The County also partners with Nicholasville in areas including economic development, Planning and Zoning, and Parks and Recreation.

A New Judicial Center Takes Shape

One of the County’s most visible projects is the new Jessamine County Judicial Center currently under construction on Main Street at the former Sutherland Chevrolet property.

Jessamine County had been in line for a new judicial facility for approximately 20 years before funding for the project ultimately moved forward. The approximately 74,000-square-foot building will house the County’s court system and Circuit Clerk.

The facility will also include a secure sally port, improving safety when individuals from the Detention Center are transported to and from court. Currently, inmates must be brought into the existing facility from the street.

The project is funded through Kentucky’s Administrative Office of the Courts, which will cover the facility’s payments, utilities, upkeep and janitorial services. The arrangement provides Jessamine County with a new judicial facility while limiting the financial burden on local taxpayers.

Expanding Ambulance Services

Another major project is a new ambulance center planned near Brannon Crossing.

The facility will house Jessamine County Ambulance administration and provide three additional ambulance bays, expanding the County’s ability to serve a growing population. Jessamine County Ambulance currently responds to approximately 14,000 calls each year while also providing mutual aid to surrounding counties.

The County has also recently secured significant outside funding to support public services. West highlighted a $1 million Ambulance grant, anticipated grant funding for improvements to 911 and approximately $300,000 in road funding to assist with repairs following recent flood damage.

Those investments complement an emergency response system that has earned significant recognition. During the presentation, West discussed Jessamine County’s recognition for cardiac-event survivability, supported by coordination among Ambulance, 911 and local law enforcement. He also highlighted investments in advanced 911 capabilities designed to improve safety for residents and first responders alike.

Making County Services More Convenient

Jessamine County is also working to make several everyday government services easier for residents to access.

The County is renovating the former bowling alley and university facility on First Street into a business center expected to bring several services together in one location, including the County Clerk, Property Valuation Administrator and vehicle inspection services through the Sheriff’s Office.

The facility includes 84 parking spaces on one level. By bringing these services together, residents will be able to complete multiple tasks in one location rather than traveling between offices and navigating limited downtown parking.

Meanwhile, Fiscal Court will remain in the historic Jessamine County Courthouse. Planned improvements include replacing an HVAC system dating to 1964 and creating additional room for staff and County services as other offices relocate.

Creating More Opportunities Close to Home

Economic development remains another important priority as Jessamine County’s population continues to grow.

West noted that approximately 66 percent of Jessamine County’s workforce currently travels outside the community for employment. While those residents return home and rely on local services, the occupational tax revenue associated with their jobs is generated elsewhere.

For Jessamine County, attracting employers is not simply about economic growth. It is also about creating opportunities for residents to build their careers closer to home.

“We’re trying to create a lot more jobs here, where men and women can support their families for decades to come.”

Jessamine County and Nicholasville have secured more than $4 million in state and federal grants to assist with development of the industrial park and efforts to attract new employers.

Those efforts received another boost during the presentation with the announcement that Canteen Food Services plans to relocate its Lexington operation to Nicholasville. The operation is expected to bring 92 employees to the community, representing another step toward expanding employment opportunities within Jessamine County.

Investing in Recreation and Quality of Life

Jessamine County and Nicholasville are also working together to expand recreational opportunities for residents.

The new recreation center at John Preece Park will include four gymnasiums, an elevated walking track, meeting rooms and space for a variety of activities and programs. Plans include opportunities for youth and sports programming, senior activities, programs for individuals with special needs and other community uses.

West described the recreation center as “a fantastic addition to our community,” pointing to the wide range of programming the new facility will make possible.

The project represents an important investment in quality of life while also demonstrating what can be accomplished through collaboration between County and City government.

Preparing for Continued Growth

Growth also creates challenges, particularly when it comes to transportation and infrastructure.

During the discussion, local officials provided updates on several transportation projects, including the east-west bicycle and pedestrian connection. These projects can require extensive coordination among local governments, state agencies, utilities and railroads before construction can move forward.

Officials also discussed progress on improvements along Brannon Road, including the planned railroad overpass. Property acquisition and early construction work are underway, with the project ultimately expected to improve the connection between U.S. 68 and U.S. 27.

West acknowledged the challenges that accompany growth while emphasizing the positive reason behind many of them.

“You have growing pains. Our traffic, we’re working with solutions for that. But Jessamine County is a place where people want to be.”

Working Together for Jessamine County

Partnership was a recurring theme throughout the presentation.

Jessamine County works closely with Nicholasville in areas including economic development, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Zoning and other initiatives. The County also collaborates with Wilmore, public safety agencies, regional organizations and state government to deliver services and advance projects.

That cooperative approach extends across County government itself. While Jessamine County’s independently elected officials have distinct responsibilities, they ultimately serve the same community.

“Thankfully in Jessamine County we work together,” West shared while discussing the relationship among County offices and elected officials.

That same spirit of cooperation was evident throughout the joint presentation, as County and City leaders discussed shared projects, challenges and opportunities.

As Jessamine County looks ahead, the projects underway today reflect a broader effort to prepare for continued growth while remaining focused on the people who already call the community home. From emergency services and more convenient government facilities to recreation, infrastructure and economic development, Jessamine County continues working to expand services and opportunities while maintaining the quality of life that makes it a place people want to be.

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