Beech Tree News Network

Court agrees, on a 4-1 vote, to put one trailer at the recycling center for community use

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Butler County Fiscal Court, with all magistrates present, met at the courthouse on Monday, April 22. The closure of the Butler County Recycling Center and its potential impact on the community were significant topics of discussion.

Many citizens, concerned about the closure of the Butler County Recycling Center, were once again present. Connie Embry inquired about any progress made toward ensuring some form of recycling remains available to the public.

Judge/Executive Tim Flener said he had engaged in discussions with Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps, and he reported that the city is not interested in taking over the recycling center.

Several citizens suggested alternative ways of maintaining recycling options for the county. These suggestions included reducing the number of trailers and/or days, indicating their willingness to find practical solutions.

Kendall Embry, a member of the local business community, criticized the county's decision to shut down the recycling center. According to Embry, there are more benefits to recycling than just money. Having a recycling center can help attract new businesses to the area, and even if it brings in just one factory, it's worth it, stated Embry. He also pointed out that the county used to have one of the nicest recycling centers in the state, and shutting it down sends the wrong message. Embry said he hopes that the county's goal is not to match the worst in the state, whether it's in terms of police, ambulance service, or recycling. Instead, he believes the county should strive to improve and move forward, not backward, for the sake of our environment.

When questioned whether anyone on the court had spoken to the school district, Third District Magistrate Allen Smith responded, "Yes, I did. I was informed that the school encouraged the students to recycle. However, when the students observed Corey Raymer connecting a trailer to his vehicle and then throwing items into a dumpster on a regular basis, it sent a conflicting message. What kind of example is that setting for the kids?" asked Smith. 

Many responded that maybe that was items that couldn't be recycled.

Deanna Embry said she did speak with the schools and was informed by the superintendent that if recycling is not done at the schools, they will have to add another dumpster at each school, which will require additional expenses for schools. 

"We all need to work together and educate our students about the advantages of recycling," said Embry.  "It's not just about the financial implications but also about instilling the value of environmental responsibility in future generations."

Tim Harrington asked for a detailed report on the recycling center's expenses and revenue. 

"We keep talking about maybe it's this much or that much. I would like to see it on paper," said Harrington. 

Judge Flener told Mr. Harrington to come by his office, and he would get that information for him.

Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill motioned to place one trailer outside the recycling center for use by the public if Corey Raymer was okay with it. First District Magistrate Stevie Givens seconded the motion. When Judge Flener called for the vote, four magistrates voted yes - Givens, Whittinghill, Smith, and Bryant; Phelps voted no.

Judge Flener told the court that the city of Morgantown, due to cost, had decided to use an outside service instead of the city-designated  jail work crew.

The court then went into closed session pursuant to KRS 61.810(c) and KRS 61.810(f). Once they returned to open session, no action was taken by the court.

Butler County Extension Agent Loyd Saylor presented the court with the 2025 Extension District Board budget. He also said they were still trying to sell the former extension office and are looking to fill the vacant agent position.  

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson presented her quarterly report.

The Butler County Rescue Squad is having their annual Car Show at the Morgantown City Park this year and decided to rent the Eva J. hawes Building for the day at a cost of $125. The magistrates and Judge Flener decided to pay the fee personally for the Rescue Squad.

The court approved the following additional items:

--1st District VFD Financial Statement

--Ferry Boat Funding Agreement FY 2025-26

--Purchase of two 50 horsepower motors for the Ferries $15,311.80

--Purchase of two ferry cables $6,917.75

--EMA Funding Grant- 50/50 match laptops and amateur radio

--Generator Maintenance: Blanton Electric $1050 ( three generators)

--Mowing Equipment for Solid Waste- Drake's Farm Service $15,007

--1st Reading of FY 25 Budget

--Budget Amendment #3

--Transfer of ARPA Account Interest money to General Fund $5,737.72

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

--Transfer of $20,000 from the General Fund to E-911

 --Bills and transfers