Kentucky state auditor: I’ll consider audit of Fayette County schools

Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball said Thursday she is reviewing concerns of constituents of Fayette County schools to determine if she will conduct an audit of the financially challenged district.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said in an opinion Wednesday the Fayette school board’s recent vote to ask the Fayette fiscal court to pass an occupational license tax increase was unlawful.

“I have heard from parents and other constituents concerned about the state of FCPS,” Ball told the Herald-Leader. “In light of our ongoing audits of the Kentucky Department of Education and the Jefferson County Public School system, my office is reviewing these concerns to determine our next steps.”

Her spokesperson confirmed that “next steps” referred to an audit.

Fayette schools officials did not immediately comment.

Coleman’s opinion said the school board failed to provide the legally required notice to the public before its May 27 meeting.

According to the attorney general’s opinion, the school board’s 3-2 vote to ask the Fayette Fiscal Court to increase school tax rates on residents and businesses’ net income from 0.5% to 0.75% was improper. That’s because under state law, school boards must notify the public and hold a formal hearing before voting on new or increased taxes.

School officials say they need the increase to cover a $16 million budget shortfall.

State Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe said Thursday she talked to Ball about the possibility of auditing Fayette County Public Schools.

“I have spoken with Auditor Allison Ball about the possibility of initiating an audit of Fayette County Public Schools, given the number of constituents—myself included—who have raised concerns and requested further scrutiny,” said Bledsoe, a Lexington Republican.

“In light of the recent tax increase debacle and local reporting highlighting questionable spending priorities within the district, I believe an independent review could provide transparency and reassurance to the public.”

Bledsoe added: “Ensuring that educational funding is used efficiently and effectively is a priority we all share, and I will continue to advocate for accountability where it is needed,” she said.

Rep. Matt Lockett. R-Nicholasville, said the Fayette school board was trying to “skirt accountability” and override Attorney General Russell Coleman’s findings by having a virtual meeting on June 23.

“This is a profound disservice to our community,” Lockett said.

Fayette County Judge Executive Mary Diane Hanna said the Fayette County fiscal court did not vote on the occupational license tax increase as planned Thursday because of Coleman’s decision.

Hanna said Thursday the fiscal court might end up voting on the tax Increase later if the Fayette school board passes another resolution —one deemed legal -asking for a tax increase.

This story was originally published June 5, 2025 at 6:17 PM.