This time last year, Carter Hendricks knows he was in Cadiz — sharing the good news of a prospective buyer on the precipice of purchasing the Cadiz-Trigg County I-24 Business Park spec building.
The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council’s executive director, and many others in the know, were of a strong notion that an unnamed company, one with liquidity and scores of jobs, was coming — until, at the last minute, it wasn’t.
Following a visit with Trigg County Fiscal Court Monday night, Hendricks reassured efforts to obtain a viable, fitting industry for the region — and that empty building — have only been redoubled since.
The property will be a top showcase during next week’s Transatlantic Business & Investment Council Conference in Chicago, and Hendricks said Trigg County remains competitive in the market for several reasons, including:
+ A lower property tax rate than most, lending to a “less taxing, more relaxing” tagline;
+ Remarkable population and retail growth for Cadiz since 2023;
+ An immediate connection to interstate travel, ideal for shipping and logistics;
+ The current existence of 11 Trigg County companies hoisting 600-plus employees and more than $30 million in payroll;
+ A perfect balance of unemployment rates, workforce participation rates and educational centers in the region;
+ And a constant influx of retiring military streaming out of Fort Campbell, who — turning to civilian life — want to work, live and raise families in the tri-county region.
At present, Hendricks said there are five outstanding “requests for information” on the spec building, which is a formal document and process used by organizations to gather information about potential suppliers’ capabilities, products and/or services during the procurement process.
None, Hendricks added, are as close as sides got last summer, when negotiations were far reaching and somewhat implied — before an unknown supplier declined a massive order, which forced the formerly interested company to pivot elsewhere at the turn of the New Year.
That being said, Hendricks did offer forth some other bits of good news for Trigg County, albeit major details still under lock-and-key until further notice:
+ Sharon Butts, associate EDC director, is currently working through a Kentucky Product Development Initiative grant, with its progress ongoing.
+ Though uncommon, the EDC is working with a retailer interested in coming to the community.
+ The prestigious “John Walton Award,” given the last two years at the annual SWK EDC Industry Appreciation Luncheon, may have strong Trigg County ties.
+ And one of the county’s top employers, Wabash One, is currently hiring.
Hendricks also noted that, depending on desired careers and travel patterns, at least 10-to-15 percent of current and incoming businesses to Christian and Todd counties have Cadiz and Trigg County residents on staff.
Full Presentation
Magistrates unanimously approved the first reading of the 2025-26 tax levy, which this year involves taking the compensating rate.
For county real estate, the taxes will stay at 7.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. However, public service programs on real property will fall from 7.6 cents to 7.4 cents, and the ambulance district will do the same, falling two-tenths of a cent.
Judge-Executive Stan Humphries noted that, for the first time in local history, county real estate eclipsed $1.3 billion in property valuation. Tangible personal property surpassed $29 million, motor vehicles is north of $156 million and watercraft is above $21.5 million.
Assessments, he added, are up $65 million from the previous year, but growth has slowed.
Humphries confirmed that the rebuilt Trigg County Recreation Complex concession stand is “nearly complete,” and minus a punch list could be finished as soon as this week. A walkthrough is scheduled next week, pending weather, and Humphries confirmed all Pennyrile Area Development District deadlines have been met for Land & Water Grant reimbursements.
Several fresh appointments and renewals were also made Monday night.
Matt Ladd and Nelson Green will return to the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism Commission, effective September 1 through August 31, 2028, while Mallory Lawrence will replace Dustin Gilbert for the same term.
Kim Fortner, David Sumner and Pam Metts were all reappointed to the county’s Cemetery Committee, beginning August 19 and running through July 18, 2028. Cindy Hinson replaces the late Susan Holmes for the same term.
Magistrates approved a revised supplemental agreement between the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the county, allowing for an 80/20 grant to fund not just replacement of drainage structures on Knight & Hale Way, but also Boyd Lake Branch Road and Tyler Road. The funding comes through the Rural Secondary Program and the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid, and Humphries said more damages need to be addressed since the first agreement was sought in the summer of 2023. Furthermore, Magistrate Alana Baker Dunn said a Thursday meeting is scheduled for residents of East Lake Road, where a bridge must be replaced sooner rather than later.
