Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Tuesday, November 12, at the courthouse. All magistrates - Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant - were in attendance.

Old Business:

The court agreed to have Junior Kelly give the county an estimate to prepare the road department roller.

New Business

Butler CountySheriff Scottie Ward asked the court for permission to adjust his budget to buy a new truck. Magistrates approved his request.

When asked about tax collection, Sheriff Ward said, "As of October 31, we have collected $3.7 million of the property tax, about 60 percent."

The total tax amount for the county is $5.78 million.

Jeanie Locke gave an update on the Butler County Animal Shelter. From January 1 through November 12, 2024, the shelter received 508 cats, 442 dogs, and three rabbits.  

According to Locke, the Spay/Neuter Clinic has been open for one month and has served 815 animals from 31 counties and three states. Judge/Executive Tim Flener asked if the clinic made money on the procedures. Locke said, "No, we just cover our expenses and offer it as a service to help with the overpopulation."

The court approved Joy Wells's and John Parrish's appointments to the Butler County Extension Council and District Board Nominating Committee.

The court approved an annual payment of $11,555.80 to GeoConex for 24x7 support, maintenance, and software upgrades for E-911.

Judge Flener informed the Court that OSHA told him the county must offer Hepatitis A and B vaccinations to jail employees. Flener checked with the Health Department, and the cost is $115 per dose of Hepatitis A and $93 per dose of Hepatitis B.

Judge Flener informed the court of the update for the County Bridge Program.  

"The state comes in and tells us what is needed to update the bridges, and then we do it, and they come back but don't increase the tonnage allowed on the bridge," said Flener. "And they want us (the county) to pay for the plans."

The Court approved the following additional items:

--Litter Abatement payments to Salem Baptist Church Youth $600, Salem Baptist Church Boys Scouts $500, and Butler County HOSA $494.90

--Bills and transfers

--Treasurer's Monthly Settlement

--Transfer $35,000 from the General Fund to the Jail Fund

--Appropriation Condition Report

--E911 Battery Backup Quote from R&R Electronics $260

--Purchase of Emergency lights for Chris Phelps' truck $500

--Advertising for weather radios and trimming trees on the courthouse lawn