Greater Hardin Co Women’s Network & NAACP HCB Hardin Co Judge/Executive Candidate Forum 10/15/26

The October 15, 2026, Greater Hardin County Women’s Network and NAACP Hardin County Branch Judge/Executive candidate forum featured incumbent Keith Tall and challenger Mayor J.J. Duvall. Candidates discussed county budgeting, public safety, fire protection, roads and bridges, water and broadband infrastructure, economic development, and transparency. Tall cited a county budget of about $60 million, reported that the county had purchased ambulances, and identified a proposed Glendale Emergency Services Building supported by $6.5 million in state funding as part of his next-term priorities. He also cited road improvements and expanding water service. Duvall emphasized fiscal planning and road maintenance, and cautioned that a county fire department could require tax increases. Candidates also discussed county support for the sheriff’s department, with Tall citing $3.4 million in annual subsidies, and about $6 million in jail support.

The discussion included proposals and descriptions of past spending and projects, but no contract awards, bids, purchasing approvals, formal motions, or votes were reported. Tall said the fire-services plan was still being revised and had not yet been approved, a point Duvall also raised. Both candidates described coordination with cities and other local partners as important to future development and infrastructure planning.