Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Monday, September 8, at 5:00 p.m. at the Butler County Courthouse. All magistrates were in attendance: Stevie Given, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant.

Benjamin Vance from AT&T informed the court that the analog phone lines will be discontinued by November 1 and DSL will be shut off by early 2026. He proposed an upgrade with dedicated internet, a 4-hour SLA, and cellular backup for 911 and county offices.  

According to Vqnce, the new system will be cloud-based and will support up to 250 devices via an internet air device. The estimated monthly cost is $1,592 (current $1,300), with two months of free service, and possible further price reductions, and no installation charge. New phones (36) will need to be purchased. The court took no action and asked Vance to submit a final price at the next fiscal court meeting.

Amanda Guerra and Sara Kitchens from the Kids on the Block program addressed the court, asking for money for two programs at North Butler Elementary for $1,030. The programs cover 10 topics for K-6 students. The court allotted $400, which was in the current budget.

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson presented the 2025  tax rates to be printed:

Butler County Jailer Wayne Russ and Deputy Chad Bratcher asked the court for:

-$2,015.67 for four locks for the jail- court-approved

-$510.00 for lights to be installed on the jail car- court approved

-$200 for a radio to be installed in the jail car- court approved

Russ asked for additional striping for the jail car; however, the court denied the request as the vehicle does have badges on each side.

When asked about the recent jail inspection, Russ said there are still some plumbing issues that have not been resolved.

The court approved the following additional items:

-Bills and transfers

-Scotty's Contracting & Stone Bill $903,717.01

-Purchase of a snow plow $12,269.23

-Purchase of a 2023 35G Excavator $54,539.12

-PVA Statutory County Contribution $25,711.50

-Safety Deposit Box $50 annually

-KACO Insurance Grant- permission to apply

-Treasurer's monthly settlement

-Transfer $70,000 from the General Fund to the Road Fund

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

-Transfer $10,000 from the General Fund to the E911 Fund

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