Fiscal Court makes hires, buys equipment, considers puppets

Sun, 09/03/2023 - 9:35am — John Embry

Missi Carini with Kentucky Kids on the Block

Butler County Fiscal Court met at the courthouse on Monday, August 28. All magistrates were present: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill and Dillon Bryant.

Judge/Executive Tim Flener called the meeting to order, and the court approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

Under old business, the court approved a subscription for the E-911 Prepared Emergency Communications Service. The free subscription will provide a backup to the rapid deploy unit in other counties.

The court approved the purchase of a John Deere 50 G from McCoy Equipment in Owensboro for $80,785 for the county road department. The county will pay $20,000 down and finance the balance.

Under new business, Missi Carini with Kentucky Kids on the Block made a request to the court for $900 to provide programs in Butler County. Carini says the cost is $450 per program, and they would like to do six programs. Kentucky Kids on the Block aims to provide education and prevention through puppetry. Magistrate Kevin Phelps asked Carini about the program content concerning gender-related issues and sexuality. Carini said that was not a topic they covered with their programs. Magistrates approved $400 for the program, which was the amount originally appropriated by Fiscal Court.

After returning from a closed session, the court approved permitting Judge Flener to sign paperwork with Aerospace to sell real property.

The court hired Emily Tyree as part-time Dispatch Supervisor effective August 28 with a twenty-five cent per hour raise.

Justin Cannon was employed as an E-911 Shift Supervisor.

Billy "Rusty" Phelps was hired for the county road department at $15 per hour.

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson presented the 2023 Tax Rates for approval to the Court. Tax bills will be out by October 1.