Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Monday, October 27, at the courthouse. All magistrates were in attendance: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant. 

In political news, Second District Magistrate Kevin Phelps announced that he would not be seeking reelection.

In old business Community Action Director Dionne Cannon Merritt addressed the court at their last meeting seeking assistance with the delivery costs of the monthly food distribution in the county. The court asked her to provide Community Action's financials.  Merritt had her supervisor give the information to the court. According to Merritt, Feeding America's TEFAP budget has been cut $17 million. She asked magistrates to fund only the delivery costs for one year, up to $2,500. The court approved her request.

Jeanie Locke gave an update on the Butler County Animal Shelter. She provided the budget for Friends of Butler County Animals. Shelter Director Ruby Fooks spoke about the spay/neuter clinic.  The clinic opened on October 1, 2024, and has since served 71 counties across six states, performing over 10,000 surgeries. The clinic has benefited from several partnerships with national organizations.  

Cody Henderson, representing the Morgantown-Butler County Chamber of Commerce, addressed the court concerning the fairgrounds. The electrical work ($45,699) has been completed, and the bill has been paid. Henderson said the earthwork and concrete have been completed, and the grass has been successfully seeded. The court agreed to match the $100,000 grant with a $33,333 contribution and also approved an additional $22,000 for the project. Magistrates approved a $55,333 payment for the fairground project.

According to Henderson, the Green River Catfish Festival had the highest attendance in 20 years and generated a profit despite spending $50,000 for the carnival rides.

After a lengthy discussion, the court approved AT&T for the courthouse phone/internet service. Magistrates requested a contract for the installation and service of 36 phones, five fax lines, an elevator phone, and internet.

The court approved the illegal open dump application for the following: Welcome Road, Sunny Lane, Richelieu Road, Peirson Road, Long Branch School Road, and the Hwy 70 East Dump.

The court approved the following additional items:

-Bills and transfers

-Litter abatement payment to Cassica Lodge

-FEMA Grant Application

-Permission for the Corps of Engineers to process and deed for Lock 5 Road and Woodbury Dam

-2nd reading of the treasurer's budget amendment

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

-Transfer $20,000 to the E-911 Fund from the General Fund

-$500 out-of-pocket payment for vehicle damage caused by the mowing crew and release to relieve further liability

-Flint Springs Road Bridge application: projected cost of $770,000, with a $93,000 match and a $15,000 application fee.