Magistrates approve several items, split on a mowing contract; Judge presents budget $300K less that last year

Thu, 04/25/2019 - 10:35am — Diane Dyer

Butler County Fiscal Court held its bi-monthly meeting on Monday, April 22nd at the Butler County Courthouse. All magistrates were in attendance - Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Timmy Givens, Dillon Bryant, and David Whittinghill.

Melissa Mudd with Hamilton and Ryker spoke to the court concerning the staffing company and their office in Morgantown.

Amanda White, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Butler County, asked the court for an annual contribution of $12,500. White shared information about the club.

"We want to thank the court for their years of support," said White.
No action was taken by magistrates.

Judge-Executive Tim Flener presented copies of the 2019-2020 budget to all the magistrates asking them to review it, let him know if there were any questions, and be prepared to take action at the next meeting. According to Flener, the budget is around $300,000 less than last year due to grants.

Lloyd Saylor, county 4-H Agent, presented the 2019-2020 Butler County Cooperative Extension Service Budget.

"This has been a big year for us. We are in good financial shape and the new building is a great asset," said Saylor.

According to Saylor, the city of Morgantown is currently renting the old building and has a six-month lease. They hope to sell the building this year; the asking price is $249,500.

The court divided their votes when it came to quotes for mowing. Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill wanted to leave the mowing to Leonard Oak Park and Woodbury Park the same as last year with a county employee mowing at the cost of $10.50 per hour. After a lengthy discussion and looking at bids of $40 per mowing, the court voted 3-2 in favor of leaving it the same as last year. Whittinghill, Phelps, and Stevie Givens voted yes; Bryant and Timmy Givens voted no. Stevie Givens made the motion to leave it the same as last year with A&D Mowing at the cost of $6,000 per year. This cost includes mowing, edging, trimming, spraying, seeding, fertilizing, and landscaping.

Judge Flener encouraged everyone to write letters of recommendations for the Woodbury Park and mail them to Jodie Williams- Land & Water Conservation Fund, Dept. of Local Government, 1027 Capital Center Drive Suite 340, Frankfort, KY 40601. A meeting was held on April 18th to show support for the grant and over 65 people attended.

The court approved the following by a 5-0 vote:

4th District VFD first quarter financials

5th District VFD payment of $185.18for insurance proceeds

Health Insurance and premiums for FY 2020 ( which remind the same as last year)

2nd reading of Ordinance #3 amending the FY2019 budget in the amount of $150,670

Judge Tim Flener to sign the AOC reimbursement form for $88,426.48

Litter Abatement payment to Provo Rural Development for $506.80

Advertise for FY 2019-20 to include crushed stone, emulsified asphalt (chip and seal oil), road tile, bituminous concrete asphalt (blacktop), cold mix, and petroleum

Accept the Open Dump bid from Deweese Concrete in the amount of $10,700

Authority for Judge Flener to hire someone to do miscellaneous repairs for Butler County Fiscal Court facilities

Accept and sign a resolution of Butler County Continuity of Government in the case Judge Flener could not perform his duties; Magistrate Kevin Phelps would assume the role.