Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Monday, August 9, at the courthouse. All magistrates were in attendance: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Timmy Givens, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant.

Butler County Jailer Ricky Romans came before Court, along with several employees from the jail, asking for a $1- $2 raise for jail employees.

"I cannot keep help at a $10 per hour salary,” said Romans. So once they get trained, most leave for better-paying jobs in other counties. For example, they can start part-time at the prison in Muhlenberg County at $14.82 per hour. "

By law, the jail must keep four people per shift around the clock.

The current jail budget is slightly over one million dollars and it usually spends about 90 percent of the budget.

According to Romans, the $1 raise per hour is in his budget but would push him to spend 98 percent of his budget. The estimated cost of the $1 per hour raise is $72,000.

Magistrates expressed concerns about spending 98 percent of the jail budget since various things (expenditures)could happen in the jail setting, particularly medical expenses, that could quickly push the jail over budget.

The General Fund of each county funds jails.

The Court took no action but agreed to look at projected numbers involved in a raise and the benefits.

The Court then went into a closed session to deliberate on the future acquisition or sale of real property. No action was taken.

Magistrates accepted an agreement between Transportation Cabinet Municipal Aid and Butler County, giving Judge-Executive Tim Flener the authority to sign the contract and resolution.

Second District Magistrate Kevin Phelps expressed concern over the lack of the state mowing roadsides, causing residents to pull out of their driveways.

Fifth District Magistrate Dillon Bryant asked about two roads denied in his district because they are not “through” roads. Third District Magistrate Timmy Givens was asked if the roads approved in his district were “through” roads. Givens said," No."

Judge Flener said he has been driving the county and magistrates need to prioritize “through” roads.

In other business, the Court approved the following items:

--Application for $19,142.45 in County Jail Funding- House Bill 556

--Second reading of Ordinance 2021-07-26 Civil and Criminal Collection Fees

--Agreement with Capstone to file 1094C/1095C

--Treasurer's Monthly Settlement

--FOBCA 2nd Quarter Financials

--Butler County Tourism Financial Statement

--Transfer $2,473.74 to Tourism from Transient Room Tax

--Policy and Procedures for Butler County Jail calendar year2021 and 2022

--Litter abatement payments $599 BCEF Basketball, $577 Temple View Baptist Church, BCMS Football $600, and BCMS Basketball $482.70

--Bills and Transfers