Beech Tree News Network

Several Rochester citizens attended the fiscal court meeting on Monday, February 24, at the Butler County Courthouse. The group sought help from the County with the clean-up after the flooding.  
"They are ready to start cleaning up the mess and need help now, said Allen Smith, Third District Magistrate. "Nobody wants to wait for FEMA, which could take several months."
The Court agreed and approved a motion to place three dumpsters in Rochester. It also asked that all debris be moved to the road's edge, and the County would pick it up.
Members from the Abundant Life Church of Central City were also present and offered assistance to Rochester citizens. On Wednesday, they provided a meal, water, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food at Rochester City Park.

Judge Tim Flener also reaffirmed the County's commitment to clean up Leonard Oak, Woodbury, and Rochester parks, ensuring their continued beauty and safety for all.

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson requested a budget amendment reflecting salaries for her office, which has been handling a significant increase in workload due to the rise in collections. The office has collected over $2.2 million since the first of the year. Due to the rise, Johnson also asked to add another deputy to her staff. Magistrates approved both requests.

Meteorologist Landon Hampton, Weather or Not Bowling Green, asked the Court for permission to use the tower at the courthouse for network expansion.
"We continue investing in our platform to serve the community better. We're ecstatic about the recent upgrades to our hyperlocal network, made possible by our strategic partners at RadarOmega and Cycloneport.
Hampton added that these devices' capabilities serve as an invaluable resource for providing the best possible weather coverage in our area.
The current locations that have been installed are Bowling Green, Morgantown, Russellville, Gold City, and Scottsville (Barren River Lake). The current sites are readily available for viewing in real-time via the RadarOmega app. The Court approved Hampton's request.

Deputy Jailer Chad Bratcher addressed the Court about replacing the jail vehicle. The vehicle was sideswiped in the jail parking lot and has been totaled by insurance. After a lengthy discussion, the Court asked Bratcher to get three quotes for replacing the vehicle.
Bratcher presented the proposed 2026 Jail budget of $1,483,312.00. The budget reflects an overall increase of $9,805.48, primarily due to increased operational costs, and a county contribution increase of $33,355.48. The Court took no action and requested time to look over the budget.

The Court went into a closed session to discuss personnel. Upon returning to the open session, a motion was made to allow Magistrate Dillon Bryant and Emily Tyree to interview dispatcher candidates.

The Court approved the following:
Bills and transfers
Third District VFD Treasurer's Report
Transfer of $35,000 from the General Fund to the Jail Fund
2024 Annual Solid Waste Report