Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met on Monday, November 27, at the courthouse. All five magistrates were in attendance.

Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward presented his 2024 Budget. According to Ward, the total budget is $910,019, an increase of $17,393 from last year. The budget also reflects an increase of $24,173, a 6.5 pay raise approved by the court for all employees.

Sheriff Ward told the court that the department recently purchased a new 2023 Dodge truck at $37,746. Ward said the dealer told him they expect a $20,000 increase next year on Chevy trucks.

The court went into close session under KRS 61.810 to discuss the acquisition or sale of property. Upon returning, magistrates approved a motion for Judge/Executive Tim Flener and County Attorney Michele Duvall to write a letter to Governor Andy Beshear.

The court approved the Fifth District Volunteer Fire Department's financial statement for the third quarter.  

Emergency Management Director Charlie Tomes updated the court on potenial grants:

• Requested a Resolution for the 2023 Homeland Security Grant for $83,000 for 45 radios with no match required.
• The state has approved FEMA DR 4720 HMPG Resolution and is headed to FEMA for approval.

The Court approved the following purchases for the County Road Department:

--Light Bars $1,736

--Transmission for Truck $5,810 Westerfields

--Dump Truck $162,961

--Mini Ductor Venom HP $600

The court approved the following:

--Bills and transfers

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

--1094/1095 Reporting using Capstone Administrators ($2.50 per employee per month)

--Sheriff's 2022 Mineral Tax Settlement pending final audit