Beech Tree News Network

Monday was the second Monday of January, meaning the Butler County Fiscal Court was in session for their regular meeting. All magistrates, Judge-Executive David Fields, County Attorney Richard Deye, Road Supervisor Timmy West, and a handful of visitors were present.
Before handing the meeting over to the magistrates Judge David Fields had one announcement for the court. Fields said that he had received confirmation from the Department of Local Government that the Governor’s office has approved two boat-ramps for the north side of Green River at Leonard Oak. One ramp will be below the remnant of Lock and Dam #4 at Woodbury and the other will be above the dam. Fields said that as magistrates do business in Frankfort this year they need to thank the Governor and his staff for approving the funding for the projects. No timetable was given for installation.
First the magistrates voted to merge the County Road Department and Solid Waste Coordinator. Following that decision the court voted to make Road Supervisor Timmy West the new Solid Waste Officer for the county. West will get two pay checks and will be required to keep two time cards so that his pay can be figured separately and that hours are assigned to the proper account. West will still work full time in his original capacity. Judge Fields told the court that he had discussed the merger with several other county governments and all reported positive results. Fields also made it clear that if the arrangement doesn’t work as desired that it can be changed at a later date.
Timmy West also delivered his Road Supervisor’s Report on Monday night. West said that since his crew had completed mowing in the fall with the boom mower that they had been busy using slope mowers to clear right-of-ways. According to West his crew of seven has covered approximately 70 miles of road, and that things should look nice in the spring. “It looks a little rough right now, but when things start greening up it will look nice,” said West. He also said that due to heavy rains his crew had been out cleaning ditches and will get back to right-of-way work when possible. The crew has also been using the bucket truck to cut overhanging trees and limbs that might create problems later. In addition to those projects West said his crew has also managed to cut back some bad curves and other spots to reclaim roadway and improve vision. “My guys are staying busy,” said West.
West also brought it to the attention of the court that one of his employees has quit and he would like the position filled. Judge David Fields agreed that a position needed to be advertised.
Later in the meeting, during the discussion of the County personnel policy, West was asked by Third District Magistrate Chad Tyree if he needed a laborer position added to the personnel policy. West said that he could use just a laborer, especially during the summer months. Discussion was also undertaken about the job descriptions of the road crew, but no action was taken. It was agreed that a special session will be called for Thursday, January 22nd for a personnel policy work session.
The court also discussed at length a possible contract between the County Jail and the State Transportation Cabinet for a five-man prisoner work crew, vehicle, and guard. The contract was discussed originally at the December meeting of the court. The contract stipulates that the State Transportation Cabinet would pay salary, benefits, and mileage for the guard which would come to approximately $50, 000 per year. The jail has a similar contract with the City of Morgantown, but the city provides the jail vehicle. The contract was approved 5-0.
The court entered into a closed session to discuss a personnel matter. When the court reconvened a motion was made to make an ordinance to create the position used by the State Transportation Cabinet in the contract for an inmate road crew and guard. The motion passed by a 4-1 vote with Chad Tyree casting the lone ‘nay’ vote.
In other business the court approved routine bills and transfers, heard the treasurer’s quarterly report, approved the jail policy manual with no changes, and approved up to a $30,000 transfer from the general fund to the jail fund. Litter abatement payments were approved for the Community House of Prayer-$600, and the Morgantown Church of Christ-$622. The meeting was then adjourned.

Story by Joe K. Morris

File photo