Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Monday, May 8, at the courthouse. All magistrates were present: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant.

The court approved the first reading of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Court FY 2024. The total is $11,607,396.05.

ASHLEY REYNOLDS

Ashley Reynolds and Missi Carini from Kids On The Block addressed the court concerning their program. Kids on the Block's mission is to provide ongoing education and prevention through puppetry for children and the community. The core message in each program is to teach children acceptance of differences in themselves and others.

The troupe uses life-size puppets and performs 15 topics in the style of Bunraku puppetry.

LUCAS GILLIAM

"We have not done a program in Butler County since 2021 and would love to get back in the county," said Reynolds.

Each program costs $450. For next school year, they have between two and four programs funded through a Community Foundation Grant for Butler County.

Joe Plunk and Lucas Gilliam, with the Kentucky Transportation Rural Secondary Programs, shared the projected allotment and projects for the fiscal year 2023-2024.

In addition, work will also be completed on KY 411, 1153, I65, and Rochester Road. According to Plunk, the department will also complete safety upgrades and road work on KY 185 (Snake Hill).

After a lengthy closed session, the court approved the appointment of Penny Wallace as the Woodbury RV Park Overseer by a 4-0 vote. Kevin Phelps did not vote due to family connections. 

Additionally, the court approved the Woodbury RV Campground Rules and Regulations.

In other business, the ferry supervisor at Rochester has been covering several shifts on the ferries in addition to his regular responsibilities. Magistrates voted 4-1, Whitinghill being the nay vote, to pay him his supervisor's hourly wage for shift coverage.

Also, the Administrative Office of the Courts rents space in the Butler County Courthouse for court. However, the amount has steadily decreased over the years. According to Dillon Bryant, this year's contract is $52,000, about half of what they used to be paid. Judge/Executive Tim Flener said nothing could be done about the decrease.

The court approved the purchase of two computers from R & R Electronics. One for E-911 costs $850, and the second for Emergency Management, $650 for radio programming.

The court approved the following:

--Accept bid of $725 for Jail 2007 Chevy Impala

--Pay Rescue Squad Truck payment to Morgantown Bank & Trust $10,125.99

--Transient tax payout of $1,795.74

--VFIS for Fire Departments/E-911 Insurance $55,457

--Emergency Management Budget $54,198.55

--Rochester Fire Department Insurance Claim payment of $9,445.66

--Advertise for Animal Shelter Contract

--Advertise Annual bids for County Materials

--Bills and transfers

--Transfer $10,000 from General Fund to E-911

--Monthly treasurer's settlement

--FY 23-24 preapproved recurring expenses

--Payment of $40,000 Butler County Conservation District Appropriation