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What is a Magistrate?

In Jessamine County, Magistrates serve on the Fiscal Court, acting as local legislators who set county policy, approve the budget, enact ordinances, and oversee county departments like roads, parks, and public safety, while also representing their specific district's interests, distinct from judicial roles like setting bail or hearing small claims.

 

Key Responsibilities of a Jessamine County Magistrate:

  • Legislative Role: They are members of the Fiscal Court, the county's governing body, where they vote on county-wide matters.

  • Budget & Finance: Participate in approving the county's budget and managing finances.

  • Policy & Ordinances: Set county policies and pass local laws (ordinances).

  • Department Oversight: Oversee various county departments, including public safety, parks, road maintenance, and planning/zoning.

  • District Representation: Represent the specific needs and interests of their electoral district within the county. 

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What does a Magistrate do?

In Jessamine County, the various districts elect a magistrate who sits on the fiscal court.  This group is “the governing body of Jessamine County”.  The fiscal court (comprised of 6 magistrates & the elected judge executive) “makes policy, enacts ordinances, approves the annual budgets, & provides oversight to the county departments”.   If you wish to learn more, please click the link: 

https://jessamineky.gov/jessamine-county-fiscal-court/

Approachable. Attentive. Responsive.

I will be accessible, approachable and responsive to the people of District 2. In talking with many of you around the community, I’ve often sensed frustration—and I believe we don’t have to live with an “us versus them” mindset.

 

To help, I plan on introducing neighborhood “meet & greets” across District 2, where I’ll be available for face-to-face conversations near your homes. These scheduled opportunities will allow your voice to be heard directly. While we may not always agree, everyone deserves to be listened to with respect.

 

Let’s talk directly about the issues that affect you and your neighborhoods. Innovative. Simple. Effective. Your voice matters.

Ben Riffell

Jessamine County Magistrate Districts

Hiking in Stream

Where Does All The Money Go?

No matter how you plan to vote in this election, I commend you for staying informed and participating.  If you'd like to see exactly how Jessamine County allocates its budget and appropriations, follow the link below and click "Budget"

https://jessamineky.gov/transparency/

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