Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Monday, December 22, at the courthouse. All magistrates were in attendance: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant.  After approving the minutes and with no old business to cover, the court entered into new business.

The Industrial Development Authority Board gave a presentation proposing the county purchase 40 acres inside the Morgantown city limits for $315,000.  Jason Jones and Denny Drake made the presentation.  The court approved the purchase.

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson presented a 2025 budget amendment moving her $7.8 M projection to $8.2 M to cover operations and contingencies. Almost all line items were revised due to higher-than-expected revenue.

Johnson asked the court to pay Debbie Worley and Debbie Givens for verifying petition signatures for the school tax.  Each worked 25 hours at $13 per hour, for a total of $325 per person.

The court approved a rough copy of the Bryant Ridge Bridge bid specs and voted to adopt them and put them out for bid.

Most of the meeting was spent selecting trash pickup for the county.  The current provider, Republic, is charging overage usage for a two-door unit.  The court reviewed quotes from Meredith Waste Management of Millwood and South Side Waste of Morgantown. The court selected South Side Waste by a 4-0 vote.  Kevin Phelps abstained from voting due to his connection with Republic.

The court approved the following additional items:

-Panther Creek Deed and Resolution copied, accepted, and signed

-Butler County Rescue Squad Affiliation Agreement

-Transfer $10,000 to the E911 fund from the general fund.

-Transfer $35,000 to the Jail fund from the general fund.

-Bills and transfers