Beech Tree News Network

"With a starting pay of $11 per hour, I cannot staff the jail, when Logan County and others are starting at $14-$15 per hour."   –Butler County Jailer Ricky Romans.

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Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday, March 14, at the courthouse. All magistrates were present.

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson gave an update on the election plan for the county. Early voting will start Thursday, Friday, and Saturday prior to the primary. There will be a drive-through location at the Butler County Barn on Boat Factory Road, and Morgantown Elementary will also be a county-wide-voting center. All other precincts will operate as usual. Johnson presented a check of $20.54 for interest on her excess fee account.

Butler County Jailer Ricky Romans FY23 proposed budget. The proposed budget was a little over $1.4 million, with the most significant increase in payroll. Several jail employees attended the meeting. Romans asked for a $4 per hour raise for all of his employees. The Court appointed Ricky Romans and Terry Fugate to serve as board members for the regional jail.

"With a starting pay of $11 per hour, I cannot staff the jail, when Logan County and others are starting at $14-$15 per hour," said Romans.

Second District Magistrate Kevin Phelps suggested a $2 raise for now, then an additional $2 per hour raise when the Court reviews their budget. The Court approved the $2 raise on a 5-0 vote.

Charles Fishburn with the county road department was moved from part-time to full-time employees. Randy Grubb was hired as a seasonal employee from April to November, working three days a week at $14.57 an hour. County Road Foreman Johnathan Deweese informed the Court about digital signage for the ferries.

The Court approved lawn care bids from Thomas Mowing, which had a $71 increase per mowing of the courthouse lawn. Depending on the number of mowings, the total cost would be approximately $14,000. The bid was accepted by a 4-1 vote, with Dillon Bryant voting no.

The following officers were selected for the Butler County Properties Corp: Chairman Dillon Bryant, Vice Chairman Tim Flener, Secretary David Whittinghill, and Treasurer Stevie Givens.

The Court approved the following:

·    Verizon phone plan

·    Memorandum of Agreement for Butler Skills U

·    Apply for a Rubber Modified Asphalt grant

·    Advertise for seven illegal dumps

·    Treasurer's monthly settlement

·    Transfer $25,000.00 from General Fund to Jail Fund

·    Bills and transfers