Beech Tree News Network

During the Butler County Fiscal Court meeting on Monday, June 23, magistrates once again tabled the motion to move forward with the removal of the Woodbury Dam.  

Magistrates and Judge-Executive Tim Flener met with Lee Andrews of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife at the dam to discuss removal plans. According to Judge Flener, the plan is to leave the landward lock wall in place, remove the outer lock wall, cut and lay down the lock chamber doors, using them as debris for stabilization. Debris from the dam will be used to reinforce the landward wall, boat ramp, and riverbank, thereby preventing erosion. The project, if ultimately approved, would start in August, pending favorable river conditions, and would be anticipated to be completed before the end of summer.

Magrastrate Dillon Bryant asked if there had been any studies done to determine the effects of removing the dam. No studies have been given to the court.

Local historian Roger Givens requested that the court table the motion until further research is conducted on the history of the dam. 

"The dam began operations in 1841 and was built by slaves.  The dam has art and historical value," added Givens. The court agreed to table the motion.

Several people from Rochester were in attendance. Mayor Martha Roe requested funds to cover emergency repairs and losses resulting from the limited reserves and income following the April flood.  

"We would like the $6,508 set initially for a pavilion project; Rochester already has two pavilions," said Roe.

 According to Roe, the flood caused financial hardship for the city of Rochester, resulting in expenditures of $11,000 on post office repairs, $1,100 on the garage door, and losses of $2,000 from post office rent and $1,000 from community center rent.

The court approved $6,500 to cover 10 months of operational costs for the city of Rochester.

The court approved a $0.50/hour increase for all county employees.

Magistrates also approved the second reading of the 2025-26 budget.

The court agreed to submit sections of the following roads for the Flex Fund Program: Flat Rock Road, Hunters Point, Mud Creek, Oak Grove School, Lonnie Moore, and Silver City Huntsville Road.

The court approved the following additional items:

-$317 allocation for the John Deere 6330 tractor repair and submission to insurance

-Pay half of the insurance premium before the fiscal year ends

-Declare the 2005 Silverado as surplus

-Developing guidelines for County Work on private property, recurring ditch problems

-Pay $11,625 to Peercy & Gray for the Audit.

-Pay Board of Assessment of Appeals: Donna Wilson, Kendall Embry, Suzanne Brosnan, and Sherry Johnson

-Pay for materials and repairs to the Ferry houses.

-Litter abatement payments to Butler County Cross Country and Woodbury Lodge

-2024 Property Franchise Mineral Tax settlement pending final Audit $6,508.81

-2025 Spay/Neuter Grant Application

-Remove Angela Pendley as treasurer and appoint Drema Nicewinter

-Negotiations over the purchase of a pug mill

-5th District Chip and Seal $35,745.29 project

Dillon Bryant gave $317 of his celebration money to the Gilstrap Community Center

-Bills and transfers