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Fiscal Court: Lock 5 Dam Update, County Clerk excess fees over $200,000

Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday, February 28, at the Butler County Courthouse. All magistrates were in attendance.

David Phemister and Heather Majors from The Nature Conservancy updated the Court on the dam removal on the Green River at Lock 5 and also economic, recreation, and access opportunities. According to the water level, work will start back in May or June.  Currently, the project is over half-completed. The Nature Conservancy will take over ownership of the property once the work is completed. There are 27 acres in Butler County The Nature Conservancy would like to see hiking trails, a canoe and kayak launch pad, a picnic structure, and an overlook on the property.

"Our vision is when we take ownership, we will give it to the County, said Phemister.

Timeline:

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will complete removal of Lock and Dam #5 in low water conditions this summer/early fall.
  • Prior to leaving the site, USFWS will complete final the parking area, access road, placement of salvaged materials/barriers, and canoe launch and associated access.
  • Picnic shelter and historic signage to follow.
  • The Nature Conservancy hopes to take title to property before end of 2022, but the Army Corps of Engineers process can be lengthy. 

Budget and Deed Restrictions

  • Improvements to the site (final site clean-up, tree planting, parking and access road, and amenities) to be covered by overall funding for removal and transfer (federal funds from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 
  • On-going maintenance, additional improvements (if desired) would be responsibility of owner (The Nature Conservancy or Butler County).  
  • If conveyed to Butler County, deed would stipulate that land must be used for public park/open space and historical features of property and associated signage protected.  
No decision was made by the Court.  

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson gave her final settlement to the Court. She presented a check for $267,168.08 to the Court.

CLICK HERE FOR FINAL SETTLEMENT final settlement.pdf

Johnson also said the new voting machines were here and ready for the May 17 election. Drive-thru voting will be held at the County Barn, and Morgantown Elementary will be a voting center for anyone. All other voting precincts will be back at their regular spots.

The Court approved the following:

Green River Regional Detention first reading of ordinance and agreement

Bills and transfers

Transfer $25,000 from General Fund to Jail Fund

Budget amendment

Permission to apply for E-911 Grant

Rejected all sealed bids for Woodbury RV Park (all bids were over budget)

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