May 21, 2025 | Muldraugh, KY
The City of Muldraugh is once again facing public scrutiny after a recent open records request resulted in what many are calling a blatant case of price gouging.
On May 16, 2025, a request was submitted for body-worn camera footage of Police Chief Tim Jackson for the date of May 15. In response, Lynnette McAdams, the city’s records custodian, issued an invoice on May 21 charging $90.00 for the footage — an amount that included a USB thumb drive.
Comparable thumb drives are sold at Walmart for $8.88, revealing a staggering 913% markup.
“This isn’t just about a flash drive,” said one local resident. “This is about access, accountability, and whether the city is exploiting the public’s right to transparency to fix its financial issues.”
The situation comes amid growing concerns about the city’s financial decisions. A fast-tracked budget vote has left some residents concerned about lack of public input, especially after reports surfaced that the city may be facing a $30,000 bill related to Chief Jackson.
The question now circulating throughout the community: Is the City of Muldraugh in such financial trouble that it’s resorting to overcharging residents for basic records?
In response to the inflated charge, Joshua Ferguson of Muldraugh Register LLC has taken formal action, filing a complaint with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, citing violations of the Kentucky Open Records Act, which limits agencies to charging only the actual cost of producing records.
“This is a clear-cut example of a city putting a price tag on transparency,” Ferguson stated. “It’s unacceptable — and the people of Muldraugh deserve better.”
As of press time, the City of Muldraugh has not issued a public response. Residents and watchdogs alike now await the Attorney General’s review to determine whether the city’s practices are in violation of state law.
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