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The question of who would be the newest trustee of the Clark County Public Library (CCPL) Board of Trustees has reigned over Winchester since Dawn Alvarado – the wife of former Kentucky state senator Ralph Alvarado – resigned.

On Wednesday, Aug. 16, that question was answered.

Surrounded by her husband, Christopher, and two daughters, resident Carlye Thacker was sworn in as the newest trustee on CCPL’s governing board to fill Alvarado’s unexpired term ending on June 3, 2025.

“I’m relieved that we’ve [got] to this point, and I’m greatly honored that I’ve been chosen”, said Thacker. “I’m really excited to act as a citizen and perform my civic duty as a citizen of Clark County.”

Thacker was one of over twenty individuals throughout Clark County who submitted paperwork for the position.

She has a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky and has run the Seat of Wisdom Homeschool Co-op.

Thacker was approved by majority vote of the Clark County Fiscal Court in July, a decision and process subject to debate.

On Wednesday, the swearing-in process – which occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. – was performed by James Gardner, a reference librarian of the Clark County Public Library.

With her right hand raised, among other points, Thacker agreed to support the Constitution of both the United States and Kentucky and to execute the responsibilities of the position faithfully.

Afterward, official documents were signed confirming the appointment.

Thacker believes her background has helped prepare her for the position.

“I think it’s introduced me to a lot of needs that the community might have and ways to address those needs and ideas”, she said. “It’s also given me a lot of experience with working with other people of different viewpoints and different needs and working calmly and responsibly together with our different viewpoints to come to a solution that everybody can live with and be happy with.”

She also wanted to leave a message for Clark County citizens.

“I’m greatly appreciative of the trust that you’ve placed in me [and] honoring me with this position”, she said. “I intend to work very hard to represent the people of Clark County and to work to create a library and a library environment that serves everyone as best as I can.”

Thacker’s appointment did not come without controversy.

A lawsuit filed on Aug. 10 by Clark County Judge-Executive Les Yates alleges that Thacker’s nomination was rescinded on March 22 by the Kentucky state librarian and commissioner of archives and that new ones were never recommended by the state, which is standard procedure per Kentucky law. The suit further alleges that the Clark County Fiscal Court acted extralegally in voting to confirm Thatcher in July.

If successful, the suit would nullify Thatcher’s appointment. The first hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7 in Clark County Circuit Court.

In addition to Thacker’s appointment, Wednesday’s Clark County Public Library Board of Trustees gathering featured a discussion about tax rates.

Ultimately, it was decided that the tax rate would be 5.1% on real property and 8.86% on personal property.

The motor vehicle tax rate, as set by the state of Kentucky, is 4.9%.