Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court held a called meeting on June 20 to work on the county's administrative code, which sets working policies and procedures for Fiscal Court and county government.  Butler  County Attorney Michele Duvall has been reviewing the code and making suggestions for the court to review.    

Items discussed were the bidding process, setting the agenda for meetings, working on the budget, and the process for asking for road maintenance.

Judge/Executive Tim Flener asked that cyber security and data breach policies be added to the code.  The code is a work in progress and has yet to be approved by the court.

Duvall also informed the court she had spoken to a bankruptcy attorney recommended by KACO. The court agreed to hire Daniels Associates at $180 per hour for the July 7 hearing. ( Note: This attorney has since declined the job.)

The Butler County Jail requested a Therma Flow machine to kill bed bugs following a recent infestation. After a lengthy discussion concerning the electrical requirements of the Therma Flow,  magistrates approved up to  $4,000 to purchase a propane machine.

In other business, Third District Magistrate Allen Smith left the room for the discussion of the Reed's Ferry Project since a company he is associated with may bid on the project. 

Several people have complained about a hump in the road when they come off the ferry, apparently causing damage to their vehicle and equipment.  Since the "hump" is at water's edge, repair costs are estimated to be significant, though no exact figures were made public. The county can apply for a grant through the Ferry Boat Program that will address the issue.  The grant requires a 20 percent match from the county. The court approved a motion to put out a request for a proposal for the project.

The court then moved into closed session to discuss a personnel issue.  After closed session, the court appointed Magistrates Kevin Phelps and Allen Smith, along with Judge Flener, and County Road Supervisor Jonathan Deweese to an interviewing committee for road department positions.

The court approved the following additional items:

--Purchase a new computer for the Road Supervisor for $825

--Accept the KY Pride Recycling Grant for $8,800 for advertising

--Rental of a Track Hoe to do work on illegal dumps

--Start the legal process on trash problems on Corey Lane

Judge Flener thanked Chuck Porter for putting gutters on the bath house at the Woodbury RV Park at no charge to the county.