The first term of the 2026 Grand Jury for Floyd County has released its official presentment, detailing inspections of key county departments, operational findings, and recommendations for improvements across local government.
The grand jury met for nine days and reviewed 233 criminal bills submitted by the District Attorney. All 233 were returned as “True Bills,” meaning the cases will proceed in court.
County Offices Inspected
Jurors conducted inspections of several departments, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Purchasing, Finance, the Elections Office, the Coroner’s Office, Magistrate Court, and the Floyd County Jail and Sheriff’s Office.
Hospital Authority Appointments
The grand jury reappointed Dr. Dan Hanks and David Newby to the Hospital Authority of Floyd County. Both were nominated by the Floyd County Commission and the Hospital Authority and were praised for their continued service to the community.
Human Resources: Outdated Systems and Space Needs
The Human Resources Department, which supports roughly 750 county employees, reported several needs:
- Updated payroll software to replace manual processes that can delay accurate paychecks
- A dedicated training space equipped with computers
- Expanded access to county vehicles for employee use
- Improved insurance and benefits software
Officials said outdated systems increase workload and frustration for both staff and employees.
IT Department: Heavy Workload, Aging Equipment
The Information Technology Department manages about 800 computers used by 900 county employees but operates with only seven staff members.
Key concerns include:
- Rising cybersecurity threats requiring stronger protections
- The need for costly USB authentication devices
- Servers nearing the end of their lifespan and warranty
Jurors noted the department is handling a large workload but will require continued investment to maintain security and reliability.
Purchasing: Efficient and Organized
The Purchasing Department, staffed by two full-time and one part-time employee, was described as orderly and efficient. The office manages purchases for all county departments and prioritizes local vendors when possible.
A minor recommendation was made to protect new carpeting from wear in high-traffic areas.
Finance: Strong Performance and High Morale
The Finance Department received high marks for organization, leadership, and employee satisfaction. The county operates on a $198 million budget, including an $81 million general fund.
Officials highlighted:
- 41 consecutive years of excellence in financial reporting
- A recent “clean audit” with no issues
- Strong employee retention and ongoing professional development
No additional needs were identified.
Elections Office: Organized and Secure
The Elections Office was praised for its focus on security, transparency, and organization. The office maintains detailed paper records and conducts multiple checks of election materials.
While no additional equipment is needed, the office reported a need for more space to support operations.
Coroner’s Office: Pay Concerns and Resource Gaps
The Coroner’s Office handled 470 cases in the past year. A major concern is compensation, which has remained at $175 per case since 1996.
Other findings include:
- Staff undergo extensive training but receive no additional pay for it
- Increased workload and emotional strain on staff
- Need for dedicated vehicles for investigations
The grand jury concluded that current compensation is inadequate for the level of work required.
Magistrate Court: Growing Caseload
The Magistrate Court is facing increased demand and needs expanded facilities, including:
- Two dedicated courtrooms
- A space for first appearances
- Additional mediation rooms
- At least one more clerk
A recent law raising the court’s jurisdictional limit to $25,000 in 2027 is expected to further increase workload.
Floyd County Jail: Clean but Aging Facility
The jail, originally built around 1985, houses more than 550 inmates. Jurors found the facility clean and well-maintained, with functioning medical, dental, and mental health services.
Highlights include:
- A 24/7 medical staff through a contracted provider
- Virtual visitation services for families
- Ongoing improvements funded by inmate commissary profits
However, the facility’s age remains a long-term concern.
Closing Remarks
The grand jury expressed appreciation to county staff, law enforcement, and court officials for their cooperation during inspections. Special thanks were given to the bailiff and the District Attorney’s Office.
The report reflects both strong performance in several departments and clear areas where investment and improvements are needed to support future growth in Floyd County.
