Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday, December 10,  at the Butler County Courthouse with all magistrates in attendance: Stevie Givens, Johnny Tuck, Chad Tyree, David Whittinghill, and Bobby Moore.

The  BRADD (Barren River Area Development District) staff were in attendance at the meeting to honor Judge-Executive David Fields for his 12 years of service to Butler County and the BRADD region.
" Judge Fields has served various roles for our agency as a member of our Executive Council and Chair of our Water Management Council. We wish Judge Fields the best in retirement," said Eric Sexton.

The court recognized the outgoing magistrates Chad Tyree, Johnny Tuck and Bobby Moore  and Jailer Rocky Tyree.  Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson and PVA Suzanne Brosnon presented each person with a certificate of appreciation for their service.  
Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson's 2019 Budget, which was presented at the last meeting, was approved by a 5-0 vote.  The budget included the $1 per hour raise for Johnson's employees which was approved by the court in a prior meeting.  
Butler County Sherriff Scottie Ward, who also presented his 2019 Budget at the last meeting, was denied approval of his budget by a 3-2 vote.  Magistrates Chad Tyree, David Whittinghill, and Johnny Tuck voted no.  
Ward expressed his concern that no magistrate had contacted him to discuss his budget in the last two weeks.  
"How do I know what to change if nobody contacts me, my budget has to be in by the end of the month," said Ward.
Ward answered questions from Magistrates Tyree and Whittinghill concerning hours for school resource officers and baliffs. 
The Sheriff's 2019 Budget was approved on a second vote by a 3-2 margin with Johnny Tuck changing his vote.  
The court approved the Butler County Sheriff's Department 2019 State Advancement Loan and the 2019 Payout.
Next, on the agenda was Sheriff Ward's request for car.
Ward explained the current condition of his fleet of vehicles and his need for a car.  
"We have driven over 500 miles today transporting inmates," said Ward.

The court voted to table Sheriff Ward's request for a 2019 car at the cost of $24,976.

The court approved the following:
-Advertise for an Emergency Management Director part-time or full-time with a deadline of January 10, 2019, at 4:00 pm
-Advertise for a part-time position at the Butler County Animal Shelter at $9.60 per hour
-$500 to re-key the jail
-Bids for a Front shield for Butler County Clerk’s office
-Tabitha Phelps as a full-time employee at the Butler County Animal Shelter until January 14, 2019
-Declare surplus and accept sealed bids for Gas Chipper, Model 150, bush bandit, Ford gas, motor serial number 17977
-Bills and transfers
-Monthly Treasurer's Settlement
-Transfer $25,000 from General Fund to Jail Fund
-Payment of $50 from the General Fund to Jail Fund to correct state payments from the EMARS system
-$7,000 to Butler County Rescue Squad for a boat motor
-$2,000 to R & R Electronics for computer support
-$299.80 to Embry's Impressions for gravel, sounding block, door sign, and desk plaques for newly elected officials
-Lease agreement with Community Action
-Accept bids for a cardiac monitor/defibrillator 
-Proposal for Performance of a Telecommunications Audit
-1st reading of Ordinance Amending the Regulating of the Collection of Annual -Membership dues fees for Volunteer Fire Departments setting the duties of the County Clerk.