Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met at the courthouse on Monday, August 14. All magistrates attended - Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant.

 Old Business

The court approved the second reading of the Reapportionment Ordinance. According to Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson, the public has 20 days to respond.  

The court, on a 3-2 vote, approved the four percent increase ( 7.8) over the state-set compensating rate for real estate. 5th District Magistrate Dillon Bryant and 3rd District Magistrate Allen Smith voted against the increase.

Magistrates approved purchasing an extended warranty on the engine and transmission for the recently purchased dump truck ($130,500). The cost of the extended warranty is $3,230.

The court decided not to replace the recycling trailer damaged during a recent storm. They had collected $19,000 in insurance and will have to return $4,000.

New Business

Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward presented his tax settlement subject to a final audit.

The court approved a contract with Combined Communication for tablets for the inmates in Butler County Jail. The inmates can read books and watch movies for a cost. According to the agreement, the jail will be reimbursed twenty percent of the inmate's spending. There is no cost to the county.

The court went into a closed session to discuss personnel and property. Upon returning to open session, magistrates voted to terminate the Rochester Ferry Operator.  

The court accepted the Public Health Tax Rate of 2.5 per $100 assessed value and the Extension District Tax Rate of 7.5.

The court approved the PVA's request for payment of $7,380.

Judge/Executive Tim Flener asked the court to resubmit Dunbar Coal Road and North Gill Cemetery Road to the state for repairs. The magistrates approved Flener's request.

Bobby McKee was appointed to the Butler County Ambulance Board to finish the one-year term of Patrick Daugherty. Chad Johnson and Kyle Moore were reappointed to the board. Other members include Debbie Rose Worley and Dewayne McKinney.

Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill motioned to give Judge Flener authority to go into contract with the U.S. Geological Survey for the Reed's Ferry Ramp Project. The court approved the action by a 4-0 vote. Magistrate Allen Smith abstained due to possible conflict.

 The Leonard Oak Boat Ramp Celebration will be held on September 16, starting at 5:00 p.m.

 The court approved the following items on a 5-0 vote:

--Bills and transfers

--5th District VFD Treasurer's Report

--2nd District VFD Treasurer's Report

--Litter abatement grant application

--E-911 subscription for the Prepared Emergency Communications Service

--Payment of Transient Tax

--Attorney Fees

--Transfer of $35,000 from the General Fund to the Jail Fund

--Permission to apply for DR4702 FEMA Disaster Grant ($17,000)

--Approval for the U.S. Department of Interior to use the county logo on the water gauge at the Rochester Ferry