Beech Tree News Network

A called meeting was held on Tuesday, May 28 at the Butler County Courthouse. 

Gina Tynes, lead agent at Hocker Insurance Agency, was present to discuss insurance matters for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Discussion topics included property and liability, workers compensation, unemployment and VFIS (Volunteer Fireman's Insurance).  

On discussion of workers compensation, Second District Magistrate Kevin Phelps asked Tynes how to help guard their clients to prevent escalation of issues. Tynes responded by stating the importance of promoting safety and holding meetings, stating that premiums are affected by injuries. When asked if there was a fluctuation in claims, Tynes stated that the claims history has not been looked at in a while, however, it currently looks good and shows a reduction. 

A main concern of Judge-Executive Tim Flener was ensuring that the ferry operators over the water were covered. Tynes stated that this was looked into and would be able to be made possible by both insurance companies. 

Butler County has been insured through KACo (Kentuck Association of Counties) for over 20 years. According to Insurance quotes provided by KACo, the annual premium for the Butler County 2019-2020 fiscal year totals $172,454. With the addition of the KEMI premium of $4,469 to cover the ferry workers, the final total comes to $176,923. This shows a total premium savings of 23 percent or $43,681 less than the previous year.

Lloyd’s of London, a governmental risk insurance company also provided a quote. Many years prior to KACo, this agency also insured the county. Lloyd’s of London provided a total annual premium of $171,078.43. 

“We are for the best interest of you all and we are presenting this for you all to make a decision,” Tynes said.

She also notes that there are slight coverage differences such as automobile coverage with Lloyds of London providing a $1,000 deductible and KACo providing a $500 deductible.

In earthquake coverage, Lloyd’s of London provides $5 million worth of protection with a $25,000 deductible, while KACo provides $10 million in protection with a $50,000 deductible. 

First District Magistrate Stevie Givens made a motion to stay with KACo. The motion was seconded by Timmy Givens. Further discussion took place resulting in Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill making a motion to table the discussion for the next meeting. Whittinghill stated that given that the figures from KACo had just come in Tuesday afternoon, he would like to look further into the proposals.  

A vote of 4-1 was held to table the decision for the next meeting with Magistrates Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant all voting yes. Third District Magistrate Timmy Givens cast the lone nay vote against the motion to table.  

Fifth District Magistrate Dillon Bryant asked if there has been an increase in VFIS insurance. Tynes stated that she believes that there has been a small increase of insurance costs in Butler County on property and said that she will have more information prepared on this topic for the next meeting.

The court voted 5-0 with no discussion on the approval to issue $1,500.00 in support of Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center and the approval of final reading on Carman Pharis Road. 

The approval of monthly Treasurer’s Settlement Statement was approved with a vote of 5-0 and some discussion brought up by Magistrate Whittinghill on the question of large costs shown on the receipts. Judge Flener confirmed this was due to the road cost allocations and occupational taxes.

A citizen questioned Judge Flener, asking what his plans are for preventing hazardous waste in the county. The judge, however, expressed that given that the meeting is special called, he cannot answer that question. It was explained that only items printed and prepared on the agenda could be discussed during this meeting. 

The discussion of three items on the agenda were moved to the next meeting due to the inability to take action on these items at a called meeting. As explained by Judge Flener, these topics must be discussed at a regular-scheduled Fiscal Court meeting. These items include the presentation of the 2019-2020 fiscal year budgets for the Big Muddy Creek Watershed Conservancy, Butler County Conservation District and the Butler County Health Department budget. 

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Story and photos by Hannah Vanover

Beech Tree News