We're officially in the year-end crunch time - the seasons are changing and the holidays are just around the corner.

Speaking of holidays: Don't forget to show up this month to support our Detention Center and Parks & Recreation teams for their annual October events! 

As always, if you have a colleague not receiving the Chronicles, let us know by email Meg Erpenbeck at meg.erpenbeck@kentoncounty.org.

Understanding your retirement: Here's where to go

Pensions can feel like decoding a secret language. But understanding your retirement options is important, so here’s a quick guide to Kentucky’s three tiers of public pensions.

• Tier 1 (pre-2008 hires): Employees receive a traditional defined benefit pension with more generous retirement formulas and earlier retirement eligibility. 
• Tier 2 (2008–2013 hires): Still a defined benefit plan, but with reduced benefits and higher retirement ages, making it less costly to the system.
• Tier 3 (2014 and later hires): Employees are enrolled in a “hybrid cash balance” plan, which combines elements of a pension and a 401(k)-style account. Benefits are based on contributions and guaranteed interest credits rather than a traditional formula.

A defined benefit plan provides retirees with a guaranteed monthly pension based on a formula that typically considers salary history and years of service. 

A "hybrid cash balance" plan combines a traditional pension with an individual account similar to a 401(k). 

Want more information on our pension system? Learn more on the Kentucky Retirement System's website.

Meet Sharon Eaglin, our September Employee Spotlight

When you walk through the doors of the Kenton County Government Center, the first smile you’re likely to see belongs to Sharon Eaglin, the County’s receptionist/administrative assistant.

As the front line of customer service, Sharon helps residents, visitors and partners find where they need to go—often while juggling phone calls, questions and a dozen other tasks. She sets the tone for how people experience Kenton County government: welcoming, professional and always willing to help.

Learn more about Sharon here.

Employee success stories

A fond farewell to one of our own

This month, Melissa Eddy strapped on her dispatcher headset for a final time. Eddy retired from the Kenton County Emergency Communications Center after 27 years. She served many roles in the Center, including but not limited to, Communications Training Officer, Dispatch Supervisor and Recruitment Officer.

Throughout her 27-year career with Kenton County, she has saved numerous lives and touched thousands more. Our team already misses her.

Speaking of KCECC news...

Congratulations are in order KCECC Director Ashley Hawks. Hawks was named to the National Emergency Numbers Association Incident Related Imagery (IRI) Working Group.

This is a group of 70 individuals from across the country tasked with creating the national standard for receiving and processing both videos and photos in 911 centers. Way to represent Kenton County!

In more recognition news

This September, Steve Hensley, director of Kenton County Homeland Security and Emergency Management, received the designation of Certified Kentucky Emergency Manager from the Kentucky Emergency Management Association.

Meet our newest KCDC graduates

Congratulations to the newest graduates of the Kenton County Detention Center Academy! This class of deputies marks the 61st group to complete the intensive four-week program, which prepares participants with essential skills ranging from first aid and CPR to search procedures and defensive tactics.

A special shout-out to Deputy Lagana (first row, third from the left) for earning the highest overall GPA in this rotation.

KCPD welcomes two new faces

The Kenton County Police Department welcomed two new faces this month.

• Officer Adam McGuire was sworn in as a contract officer for KCPD. McGuire brings with him a wealth of experience, having served on Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport's police force for nearly 16 years before retiring from the City of Independence in 2023. 
• Officer Matt Lambert also joined the team to serve as Saint Agnes' School Resource Officer. Lambert spent much of his career with CVG's police force, including four years as its chief.

Another successful Fall Clean Up in the books

Congratulations to our Solid Waste division for another successful Fall Clean Up. The weather held, and they collected 15 dumpsters worth of trash and six dumpsters of recyclables.

Make sure to save the date because our annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, hosted in partnership with Boone and Campbell counties, is just around the corner on Sat., Nov. 1. 

Wedding bells are ringing at KCDC

Congratulations to Deputy Daniel Ott on his marriage! The happy couple exchange vows on Aug. 30 in front of family and friends.

A rainy day doesn't stop our fun

This newsletter wouldn't be complete without a BIG thank you to the team members who helped make this year's Senior Fall Harvest a blast. The weather did not cooperate, but our team rallied and put on a fantastic event despite the rain.

Make sure to check out photos from the day on our Facebook page and to see our team members in action click here.

Welcome to Team Kenton County!

In September, the Fiscal Court approved five new hires:

• Matt Lambert, school resource officer, Kenton County Police Department
• Anthony Scheben, PRN deputy emergency management directors, Kenton County Homeland Security & Emergency Management
• Casey Archey, PRN deputy emergency management directors, Kenton County Homeland Security & Emergency Management
• Michael Amend, PRN deputy emergency management directors, Kenton County Homeland Security & Emergency Management
• Alexander Fisher, PT fleet services technician, Kenton County Public Works

To connect with your fellow Kenton County team members, head over to our staff directory.