Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Tuesday, May 27, at the courthouse.  

Cody Henderson, on behalf of the Morgantown-Butler County Chamber of Commerce, asked the court for an additional $22,000 for the fairground project. 

In September of 2024, Henderson applied for a $100,000 State Aide Grant with a 75/25 match.  The court agreed to the match of $33,333 in cash and/or in-kind work.

According to Henderson, the electric quote is $91,000, which includes two 400-amp services and 10 outlets for vendors.  The land work quote is $109,000, bringing the total project cost to $200,000.  

Henderson suggested cutting the electricity in half to $45,000, resulting in an adjusted cost of $154,000, which would leave a deficit of $22,000.

Fifth District Magistrate Dillon Bryant had $20,000 in a line item on the budget and made a motion to give it to Henderson for the project.  Third District Magistrate Allen Smith also agreed to provide $2,000 from his funds.  The motion passed 5-0.

In other business, the court agreed to pay County Surveyor Cody Henderson $1,650 for a survey on the property at the Rochester Ferry.

The court agreed to Emily Tyree, current EMS employee, taking over the duties of Nancy Cardwell at the same pay rate at E911 services.

Magistrates gave Judge/Executive Tim Flener, and Magistrates Stevie Givens and Allen Smith the emergency authority to hire a ferry operator for Rochester.

The court approved the following additional items:

--Advertise for 2nd reading of 25-26 budget

--Senior Center lease agreement

--HRA Benefit Plan

--Pay $6,000 for the Rochester Streamflow Station

--Bills and transfers

--Transfer $35,00 to the jail fund from the general fund