Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court held its regular meeting for July on Monday night. All magistrates were present, but the meeting was moved to the auxiliary court chambers due to a lengthy criminal court session in the main courtroom.

Magistrates voted 5-0 to declare Butler County a Purple Heart County. The resolution means that Butler County supports efforts across the state to recognize Purple Heart veterans. Judge-Executive David Fields reported that a formal announcement is coming from the state indicating when the veterans will be recognized.

Representatives from D,E,& J Recycling came before the court for a brief presentation. Brittany Wallace told the court that D,E,& J--owned by Dale and Jordan Wallace--is a new company on Woodbury Loop in Butler County. They will specialize in recycling paper and textile products, and will have bins available at various locations for collection. Wallace explained that they will pay customers for their recyclable paper and textiles. The magistrates were all in favor of the venture, and voted 5-0 to allow the placement of bins in the courthouse.

Road issues dominated the next segment of the meeting. Magistrates voted 5-0 in favor of a pair of motions relating to the County Road Aid Coop Program. The first approved a resolution in favor of the program, the second approved the formal contract for inclusion in the program. Next, County Road Supervisor Timmy West asked magistrates to change the name of Lever Ridge Road to Willoughby Lane. West said that request came from residents on the road through the 911 Addressing Office. Magistrates approved the change on a 5-0 vote. Magistrate Keith Daugherty asked the court to add a new road to county maintenance. The road is Maryann’s Way and is located near Gilstrap in the 5th District. Daugherty reported that the land owner had graveled, ditched, and tiled the road. Judge Fields and County Attorney Dick Deye stated that deeds would have to be acquired and the road would need to be inspected before its inclusion in the county system. A committee was formed to inspect the road and Monday’s actions were considered a first reading on the inclusion ordinance, but no further action was taken.

Disbursement of $100-Mile Litter Abatement monies was next on the agenda. The court paid the following; Butler County Band Boosters-$605.00, BCHS Quarterback Club-$600.00, Leonard Oak Church-$600.00, Boy Scout Pack #208-$591.00, 4th District VFD-$600.00, Cub Scout Pack #208-$600.00, Woodbury Masons-$598.00, Butler County Shriners-$522.00, Temple View Church Youth-$614.00, Oak Ridge Church Youth-$600.00

Walt Beasley, Chairman of the Rochester Ferry Board, spoke to the court about dissolving his board. Beasley stated that the 8-person board was supposed to be an advisory panel, but that some on the board want to dictate day-to-day operations of the ferry. Beasley stated that the board was needed when all the arrangements were being made to operate the ferry under the Interlocal Agreement, but he believes the Fiscal Courts of Butler and Ohio Counties would be more than capable of running the ferry now without the Board’s help. Beasley had previously presented the same opinion, in writing, to the Ohio County Fiscal Court.

Magistrates voted 5-0 to approve the annual Interlocal Agreement with Ohio County for the Rochester Ferry and to dissolve the Ferry Board. The Court then thanked Beasley for his service and help with the board and the Rochester Ferry.

Magistrates next approved a 2% cost of living increase for all full and part-time county employees. Judge Fields reported that the area of greatest impact on the budget would be with the Butler County Jail. Jailer Terry Fugate told the court that he didn’t foresee any problems making the raise if his number of state inmates held at its current level. Magistrates approved the raise by a 5-0 vote.

In other routine business before handling additions to the agenda the court approved routine bills and transfers, approved transfer of funds up to $50,000.00 to the Jail Fund--a routine monthly action required by the state, and approved quarterly occupational tax refunds.

Next, Magistrate Keith Daugherty brought an issue to the court at the request of one of his constituents. Daugherty stated that there was curiosity about the prospect of a merger of the Butler County Government with the City of Morgantown.

A brief discussion ensued about the idea of a metro government in Butler County. County Attorney Dick Deye said that he was unsure of the size of city and county that could enter into a metro arrangement, but he thought it was limited to Class A cities. Daugherty told the court that it might be a good idea to gather citizen input about a potential merger. No action was taken on the issue.

Next, 4th District Magistrate David Whittinghill made a motion that Flex Fund Road monies be distributed based on the miles of roads in each district. Flex Fund monies are used strictly for blacktop roads, but Whittinghill wants the disbursement of funds based on the total milage of all roads in each district.

For the current fiscal year funds will be divided among only the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th districts because Magistrate Stevie Givens opted the 1st district out of the fund because the majority of his roads are within the City of Morgantown.

2nd District Magistrate Johnny Tuck said he understood that the proposal, but stated jokingly, “If I take money away from my district I’ll get hung.”

After some discussion the court voted 5-0 to table the motion until the next meeting. County Road Supervisor Timmy West was asked to present figures at the next meeting giving the exact road milage in each district.

The next meeting of the Butler County Fiscal Court will be Monday, August 13th at 6 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.