Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court held a special meeting at the courthouse on Monday, May 5. All magistrates attended: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant.

Gina Tynes (Hocker Family Insurance) presented the insurance costs for the county employees. The premium has increased by 7%. The court has absorbed the increases for the last five years, if not more. The increase is about $10.92 per month per employee. Magistrates voted to pass the increase on to the employees and again absorb the rise in the deductible and gap.

The court approved the Workers' Comp insurance. They also reviewed the property and equipment list to ensure it was current. Insurance for property and equipment is approved when the lists are updated.

Magistrate Dillon Bryant suggested that all the E911 equipment be covered by the same policy instead of dealing with two companies; the court agreed.

Tynes explains the difference in insurance coverage for the ferry workers on and off the water. The court approved the upgrade suggested by Tynes due to maritime law.

Magistrates reviewed the 2025-26 line item budget. They reduced some of the donations requested by various groups and removed some unused line items. The court approved the first reading.

The court approved the following additional items:

 --$1,500 dryer vent repair for the Butler County Jail

--Pay for the Midland Weather radios from grant money

 --AOC Court Facilities Agreement