Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Fiscal Court met at the Butler County Courthouse on Monday, July 25. Magistrates Timmy Givens, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant were in attendance.

The first item of business was to correct the minutes from the July 11 meeting. The minutes did not include the vote concerning the port-a-potty for the Rochester Ferry and permission for Dillon Bryant to give his Celebration money ($1,500) to the Fifth District Volunteer Fire Department. The Court made the corrections.

Amanda White, director of the Butler County Boys & Girls Club, thanked the Court for their support and spoke about the increased number of children served at the Morgantown and North Butler sites. The Court approved a $10,125.00 donation to the Club. 

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson gave her second-quarter report. Her office took in $1,290,938.27 in the second -quarter, which according to Johnson, is $192,875.41 more than last year at the same time.

Charlie Price, director of the ambulance service, shared with the Court the increasing cost of ambulances. A few months ago, the Court approved purchasing a new ambulance. In that time, the price has gone from $135,000 to $178,000. Butler County Treasurer Rebecca Jacobs suggested they contact the auditor to guide the purchase and bidding process since the county will use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money.

Timmy Givens asked when chipping and sealing would start, and County Road Supervisor Jonathon Deweese said hopefully by the end of the week.

The Court approved the following: Bills and transfers

• Mud River Watershed Tax Rate
• Big Reedy Watershed Conservancy District's annual financial report
• Appointment of Corey Raymer, Sandy Keown, Charlie Tomes, and Judge Tim Flener to the Solid Waste Advisory Board
• Appointment of Naomi Lucas to the Education and Workforce Development cabinet
• Appointment of Latisha Cardwell to the Education and Labor Cabinet
• Advertise public notice and 30-day comment period for the Solid Waste Management Plan