Magistrates grapple with rising insurance costs; approve ordinance reducing jail budget

Wed, 05/13/2020 - 8:29am — Diane Dyer

Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday, May 11, at the Butler County Courthouse. All magistrates were in attendance: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Timmy Givens, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant.

A large part of the meeting was an open discussion concerning health insurance. Gina Tynes, of Hocker Insurance, answered questions and explained benefit options. The court eventuall approved KACO (Kentucky Association of Counties) as the provider but did not decide on the specific plan. The premium increase for the county is approximately $32,000. The magistrates must decide how much, if any of the increase, will be passed on to employees. No decision was made.

The court approved the first reading of the budget rrdinance for Butler County Fiscal Court Budget FY 2021. Fifth District Magistrate Dillon Bryant asked if anyone had spoken to Jailer Ricky Romans about the proposed $75,000 cut from the proposed jail budget? Judge-Executive Tim Flener said he had in a round-about way. The proposed cut is $40,000 in salaries and $35,000 in medical expenses. According to Flener, even with the cuts, the jail budget has a four-percent increase from last year.

The court approved the first reading of the ordinance.

In other business, the court approves a reimbursement to the City of Morgantown for jail work crew. The city had paid in advance for the work crew at the cost of $186.50 per day. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the crew has not been able to work, so the money was reimbursed.

The court approved the hiring of Justin Cannon for the 911 dispatch at the agreed rate of $12.50 per hour. Stevie Givens abstained from the vote due to family connections.

The court approved the following: