Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Monday, November 28, at the courthouse.  All magistrates were in attendance: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Timmy Givens, Dillon Bryant, and David Whittinghill.

State Senator Steve Meredith, who now represents Butler County, was also present.  

The Court and other elected officials presented certificates to Forest Taylor and Suzanne Brosnan.

Forest Taylor has served as a Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor since January 1967. When he first joined, board members included Clayton Hunt, Jim Flemming, Sam Tuggle, and R. O. Basham. Forest Taylor celebrated his 95th birthday on Wednesday, and he and Mrs. Zora have been married for over 73 years.

Suzanne Brosnan retired as Butler County PVA and served for 41 years of employment in various capacities for the county.

After a closed session, the Court hired James Childress as a part-time employee for the road department at $14 per hour, not to exceed 100 hours per month. They also agreed to advertise for a full-time position in the road department.

Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward presented his 2023 budget and set the maximum pay for deputies and assistants. According to Ward, the increase in budget is due to the fuel cost and the eight percent raise approved by the court for all county employees.

"There is an increase of around $37,000, my office can absorb part of that, and the Court will need to provide $18,359," said Ward.

 Ward estimated receipts and disbursements of $887,184.92. The Court approved the sheriff's requests.

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson presented her 2023 budget and set the maximum pay for deputies and assistants. According to Johnson, her office almost doubled their expected collections for 2022, and she adjusted her 2023 budget to reflect those increases. As a result, Johnson estimates receipts of $5,061,106.42 and disbursements of $4,904,955.06, with a balance of $156,151.36. The Court approved Johnson's requests.

Johnson also presented her 2022 Quarterly report, showing cumulative receipts of $5,448,964.93 and disbursements of $5,009,335.57, with a balance of $439,629.36.

It was also announced that all newly-elected officials will be sworn in on December 27, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Butler County Courthouse.

The Court approved the following additional items by a 5-0 vote:

--Bills and transfers

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

--Advertise for purchase and installation of eight generators for the HMPG Project (courthouse and fire departments)