Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday, November 8, at the courthouse. First District Magistrate Stevie Givens, Second District Magistrate Kevin Phelps, Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill, and Fifth District Magistrate Dillon Bryant were present.  Third District Magistrate Timmy Givens was unable to attend.  

First on the agenda was Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward and his 2022 budget. According to Ward, the only increase was the $9,105, reflecting the two percent pay raise approved by Fiscal Court. However, Sheriff Ward did adjust other line items to reflect current usage and increases in fuel.

When asked about the drug problem in Butler County, Ward said it is about the same, the problem being when caught, the offenders don't stay in jail.

"We have seen fentanyl in the county, which has led to several overdoses," said Ward.

The Court approved Sheriff Ward's 2022 budget.

Next, Brandon Keown of the Butler County Rescue Squad presented a quote from Paul Miller Ford for a new truck for the squad. The Court approved the purchase and will finance the truck for five years through the lowest interest rate they can find.

Judge/ExecutiveTim Flener read the Recycling Report - July through September:

• The Recycling Center made 1,096 runs, had 219 deliveries, and processed the materials.
• Had 298 volunteer labor hours
• Sold $6,996.32 of recycled materials
• 316 solid waste runs
• Gave seven verbal warnings over the county's nuisance ordinance
• Applied for Illegal Open Dump Grant (7 illegal dumps)
• Working with the county attorney in prosecuting two cases over criminal littering
• City and county clean Up - 17 roll dumpster, 86.72 tons of solid waste collected, 2.75 tons recycled, and 150 waste tires.

Clark Hammers, who has worked closely with Magistrate Phelps on the Woodbury Park Project, spoke to the Court. The grant was applied for in 2019, and the materials costs have increased drastically since that time. According to Clark, to stay within budget, they may have to adjust the number of hookups and the size of the pavilion.

The Court approved the following:

• Payment to Second District Fire Department $4,941.38 insurance claim
• Payment to Fourth District Fire Department $3,361.14 insurance claim
• Payment of Transient Tax $2,040.64 to Butler County Tourism
• Advertise for janitorial contract
• Litter abatement to BCHS Softball $500, BCMS Softball $550, Band Boosters $500, Morgantown -Butler Co. Chamber of Commerce $580
• Treasurer's monthly settlement
• Transfer $25,000 from General Fund to Jail Fund
• Bills and transfers