Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Monday, July 8, at the courthouse. Magistrates Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant were in attendance.

Under old business, Magistrates Smith and Whittinghill inspected Treasure Trace Road for consideration in the county road system. They recommended widening the road, adding more rock, and extending the tiling before approval.

In new business, Warren RECC and NCTC have partnered to bring affordable, reliable, high-speed fiber internet to parts of Butler County. Butch Massey, WarrenRECC's vice president of engineering and operations, along with other employees, gave an update on the internet progress in the county.

"We are at about 75 percent in Butler County; we are just waiting on the state to release the grant money to keep expanding," said Massey.

NCTC offers four speeds and prices ranging from $64.95 to $94.95 per month.

Fiber internet is the most state-of-the-art technology, bringing speeds up to a gigabit per second.

Click here for a map: https://www.fiberforbutler.com/wp-content/uploads/Butler.pdf

If you are interested, please visit  fiber.nctc.com or call   (877) 367-8550

Magistrates then went into a closed session to discuss pending litigation and personnel matters.

Once back in open session, the court agreed to hire Kerrick Bachert, Attorneys at Law, to handle a pending bankruptcy case against the county. They also agreed to increase Butler County Treasurer Angie Pendley's salary to $47,926.

Jeanie Locke presented the monthly summary from Friends of Butler County Animals and to answer any questions from the magistrates.

County Clerk Sherry Johnson presented her quarterly report. Her office has taken in $1.6 million for the quarter and over $5 million for the year.  

 "My girls have been very busy," said Johnson.

 Johnson shared with the court how they plan to spend the $8,300 HAVA Election Security Funding. They plan to buy security carts and voting booths. The court agreed to pay $85.32 in shipping for the equipment.

Butler County Jailer Waynes Russ asked magistrates to approve $3,586 in parts to fix broken showers(2) and sinks(4). He did not have a quote for labor. The court approved his request.

County Attorney Michelle Duvall told the court she would be reviewing the 2024-25 Administration Code. If they have any additions, please let her know. The court will also be reviewing changes to CPI, overtime, and cyber security.

Magistrates also approved a measure to advertise for a road department employee (Class A license preferred, salary based on skill set and experience).

Magistrate Allen Smith asked that $500 of his designated "celebration" money be given to the Rochester Ladies League for fireworks expenses.

The court approved the following additional items:

--Payment to VEI for radios

--Advertise for E911 generator

--Transient tax and state usage tax

--Litter Abatement payments-BCMS Book Club $490

--Bills and transfer