Beech Tree News Network

County approves annual agreement with Friends of Butler County Animals to run the animal shelter at $90,000 annually/$7,500 monthly

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The June 12 meeting of the Butler County Fiscal Court was a busy one. With all magistrates in attendance, the meeting began with the dedication of the Senator C.B. Embry Jr. Memorial Highway. A portion of 231 in Butler County, from Kentucky Route 70 (beginning near the old Pizza Zone Building) to the Butler/Ohio County line has received this designation. Senator Embry was a member of the Kentucky State Senate, representing District 6 from January 1, 2015 to  September 26, 2022. Before that he served in the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing District 17 from 2003 to 2015. Numerous friends, family, and church members from First Baptist attended the meeting as well in support of this recognition for the late Senator.  

"C.B. went above and beyond as a public servant," said Judge Tim Flener. Flener shared several stories of C.B.'s service.

Senator Steve Meredith said he was honored to be part of this recognition. "I was proud to serve with C.B. as a colleague, honored to call him friend, and blessed to call him a brother in Christ."

In other news, Ryan Emmick, President of the Morgantown-Butler County Chamber of Commerce, requested and received $5,000 to help in funding to advertise for the Green River Catfish Festival.

Butler County Attorney Michelle Duvall requested and received $7,000 plus benefits to hire a Victim’s Advocate for her office.

Jodi Chambers, victim advocate for the Commonwealth Attorney, explained to magistrates the specific role this position would have within the broader criminal justice system.  

The Butler County Arts Guild received their annual allotment of $2,000 and the Green River Museum received $2,500.  

A $400 payment was made to the members of the Board of Assessment Appeals. The court also made litter abatement payments, transferred $35,000 from the General Fund to the jail fund, and hired Randall Gaskey at a rate of $14 per hour to do seasonal mosquito spraying. 

In other news, there were two appointments made to the Butler County Tourism Board, Roger Southerland and Becky Hankins.  County Surveyor Cody Henderson was appointed to the Butler County Public Library Board of Trustees. 

Magistrates also approved an annual agreement with Friends of Butler County Animals to operate the county's animal shelter.  All counties are required by the state to manage its animal population through a shelter or similar facility.  The county will pay the organization $90,000 for the year, or $7,500 monthly to manage shelter.  

The Fifth District Volunteer Fire Department presented its treasurer's report.

Magistrates accepted the bid from Kinser Heating and Cooling to replace the AC unit at the E-911 building and to repair the unit at the Rochester Ferry for a total of $5,800.

The court received a quote for a 2023 9-liter single axle dump truck of $155, 194.91. They approved the purchase.

The court also heard the monthly treasurer's settlement report and heard the second reading of the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget and adopted the budget. 

The court received annual materials bids. Scotty's, Asphalt Materials, Caneyville Crush Stone, Drake's, Hagan & Stone, and Martin Marietta, were awarded bids.

Magistrates also moved to begin the process of changing the name of Brisendine Road to Enola Ferry Road. The road is in the Little Bend area of Third District.

The court also met briefly in closed session. One result of this session was to hire an outside attorney to represent Butler County on July 19 at a Creditor’s Hearing involving a company that the county does business with that is filing for bankruptcy. 

 The local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution provided the court with information about the possible placement of a monument in the courthouse yard.  No action was taken at this time.