Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Fiscal Court handled a full slate of routine business on Monday night in their regular monthly meeting for March.

Greg Meredith and Justin Young from the Kentucky Department of Transportation, District 3 were in attendance to give their annual report concerning the Rural Secondary Road Program. Meredith told the court that $1,488,557.00 was allotted to Butler County for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. The majority of the money, $589,100.00, will be spent for routine maintenance and traffic on 139.3 miles of rural secondary roads at the rate of $4,229 per mile. $450,063.00 will be used to resurface 5.823 miles of KY 1328 from US 231 to the Leonard Oak Church Road. $147,700.00 is budgeted for culvert replacements on KY 340 from KY 79 to Dockery Ridge Road. A new guardrail will be constructed on KY 1153 at Alum Springs Road for $25,800.00. Flex Funds for projects designated by each magistrate come to $272,032.00 for 2012-2013, with the remaining $3,862.00 earmarked for Judge’s Expenses. With limited discussion the magistrates voted 5-0 to accept the allotment.

Gina Tynes and Kelley Hardin, representing Hocker Family Insurance, presented the annual health insurance plan to magistrates for approval. Hardin reported that the county’s rate would only increase approximately 7% for Fiscal Year 2012-13, up to $456,024.00 from $423,096.00 in 2012-11. According to Hardin any increase of less than 10% is a “home run.” Hardin also reported that the coverage is in keeping with new federal and state insurance laws. The court voted 5-0 to accept the plan.

Emergency Management Director Terry Hunt asked the county for their yearly Order of Affiliation for the Butler County Rescue Squad and the K-9 Search and Rescue Team. The measure was approved 5-0. Hunt also reported that approximately 15 homes in Butler County were damaged during the deadly tornado outbreak in Kentucky on Friday, March 2nd. Hunt said that 2 churches, 4 barns, and 10-15 cars were also damaged in the storm either by winds or hail. Hunt brought it to the attention of the court that grants are available through the Department of Homeland Security for safe room shelters.

Hunt said that one lady called him asking where she could seek shelter and he had to tell her that no public shelters were available. Judge Fields explained that the county’s newest parcel of land, the Hatcher property below Huff-Ingram Apartments, would be the site of not only a senior citizen center, but also a safe-room shelter. The magistrates approved taking an option on the land for $1,800.00 and Fields and Hunt will investigate necessary steps to have the shelter funded by the DHS grant. Hunt also reported that county fire departments would be good spots to locate the shelters.

Greg Drake gave a progress report about the Small Business Incubator Program. Drake said that James and Jean Beattie will soon be opening Charlie Biggs Chicken in the old Jr. Food Store building. Drake said the program needs a few tweaks, but that the money given by the county was doing what it was supposed to do.

Sheriff Scottie Ward asked the court for a resolution allowing him to apply for a grant through the Kentucky Department of Homeland Security to buy 5 bulletproof vests, 5 new guns, 2 tasers, and ammunition. He explained that there will be no cost to the county for the equipment. The request passed 5-0.

3rd District Magistrate Chad Tyree told the rest of the court that he is compiling a list of bridges and culverts that need to be inspected by the state. Tyree and Judge Fields explained that the inspections are offered free of charge through the Kentucky Department of Transportation for bridges and culverts under 20-feet that aren’t inspected on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.

Magistrates heard from Jailer Terry Fugate and held the first reading of the 2012-13 jail budget. Fugate explained that social security and retirement went up in the new budget because he is now required to work three officers per shift as mandated by the state. Fugate also explained a shortfall in receipts because of a lack of state prisoners housed in the jail. The budget total of $828,190.00 was approved 5-0. The figure is up from a budget of $706,128.00 for 2011-12.

Second district magistrate Johnny Tuck asked the court to give Road Crew Mechanic Anthony Perrin a raise so that his salary matches that of former Mechanic Danny Carroll. Perrin, who has been on the job since last summer, makes $12.29 per hour. In the past the mechanic has made approximately a dollar per hour more than other employees of the Road Crew. After some discussion it was decided 5-0 in a roll call vote to make Perrin’s rate of pay $13.24 per hour, reflecting the raise and cost of living allowance. Road Supervisor Timmy West reported that Perrin has done an “outstanding” job and very often works alone without the benefit of another hourly employee for help.

In other business the court authorized payment to Cat Leasing for the new road grader, payed bills and transfers, approved a minor amendment to the Personnel Policy, and made the monthly transfer of $30,000.00 to the jail fund. The meeting was then adjourned. The next regular meeting of the Fiscal Court will be Monday, April 9th at 6:00 p.m. All fiscal court meetings are open to the public and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. Persons wishing to be added to the agenda can contact Kim Phelps at the Judge’s office at 526-3433.

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Story by Joe K. Morris, Beech Tree News

Photos by Jeremy Hack, Beech Tree News