Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Fiscal Court held its first regular meeting for July on Monday night. All Court members were present along with a crowd of interested onlookers.

Handling the first agenda item, the magistrates voted 5-0 to authorize County Judge-Executive David Fields to purchase ferry boat parts from the Green County Fiscal Court Road Department. The parts will cost approximately $1,500, and will be used to convert the Reed's Ferry tug to a hydrostatic, paddle-wheel drive system.

Next, the Court approved a motion to return $1,271.50 in unused litter abatement funds to the Division Of Waste Management. Judge Fields told the Court that the funds were allotted to two groups who didn't earn the funds. The funds were then offered to two other groups that weren't able to clean their assigned roads before the program deadline.

A short discussion was then had about allocation of 2015-16 Road Flex Funds. Part of the funds will be used to repair three roads in the 1st District, and the remainder divided among the other districts. First District Magistrate Stevie Givens reported that he didn't have the exact cost totals available for the projects. The matter was held over until the second regular July Court meeting, which will be held on Monday the 27th.

Discussion of removing 300- eet of Brutten Springs Hollow Road from county maintenance. Judge Fields said no one offered opposition to removal of the road, and that the committee set to review the road found that removing the road wouldn't impact other land owners. The Court voted 5-0 to approve first reading of an ordinance removing the portion of the road from the county maintenance list.

The squires next approved a motion to advertise for bids for wiring the Butler County Recycling Center. Bid specs will be available on July 22nd and will be due by August 7th. Bids will be read and the contract awarded on August 10th.

Approval of the annual allotment of $12,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of Butler County was next on the agenda. Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill made a motion to give the B&G Club $7,500 in funding. Whittinghill said that simply because the money was in the budget didn't mean it had to be spent. Whittinghill's motion was seconded by First District Magistrate Stevie Givens.

After a voice vote indicated a split Court, Judge Fields called for a roll-call vote. First District Magistrate Stevie Givens and Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill voted for the motion. Second District Magistrate Johnny Tuck, Third District Magistrate Chad Tyree, and Fifth District Magistrate Bobby Moore voted against the motion, and it failed by a 2-3 vote.

County Emergency Management Director Terry Hunt addressed the Court next. In a surprise move, Hunt resigned his position after 11 years. He thanked the Court for working with him, and praised the local fire departments and emergency responders.

"I would put them up against anybody," said Hunt.

Hunt's resignation will be effective July 31st. He told the Court he will be available to help his successor settle into the job.

After approving payment of bills and transfers, the treasurer's monthly report, and the monthly transfer to the jail fund, the Court went to closed session to discuss a personnel matter. After more than an hour, the Court returned to open session.

A motion was made by Chad Tyree to continue the unpaid suspension of County Road Supervisor Timmy West until July 27th when the Court holds its next regular session.  West is facing various charges stemming from a recent DUI arrest. 

Before the floor was opened for discussion items, Magistrate Johnny Tuck asked if the allotment for the Boys & Girls Club could be reconsidered. After being told they could discuss the issue, Tuck moved to give the B&G Club $12,500 in funding. Chad Tyree seconded the motion. A voice vote indicated a split court, and another roll-call vote was taken. Magistrates Tuck, Tyree, and Moore voted for the motion, with nay votes from Givens and Whittinghill. The motion passed 3-2.

The meeting was then adjourned.

The next regular meeting of the Court will be Monday, July 27th at 5 p.m.

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Story by Joe K. Morris, Beech Tree News.