Sheriff Ward presents $107,461.19 to Fiscal Court for 2022 excess fees

Tue, 02/21/2023 - 8:55am — John Embry

Butler County Fiscal Court met in a regular session on Monday, February 13, at the Butler County Courthouse. All magistrates were in attendance: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, Dillon Bryant, and David Whittinghill.

Under old business, the court approved the emergency hire of Dakota Talos as Rochester Ferry Operator at $14 per hour.

The court also approved the one bid for software management for the Butler County Clerk's office. Clerk Sherry Johnson presented the bid and answered questions from the Court.

A breakdown of the costs is as follows:

--Conversion & E-recording Setup Fee $35,000

--Equipment/Maintenance Pricing $63,760

--Software leasing is $450 per month for 60 months

Total Cost $125,760

According to Johnson, she has $54,000 in document storage fees that can be used, and $35,000 may be covered by the state.

In new business, Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward presented a check to the court for $107,461.19 for his 2022 excess fees. Next, magistrates approved Ward's budget amendment to his 2023 budget to reflect his salary, which is set by the state. Finally, the court approved the purchase of a 2023 Tahoe for the sheriff's department at the cost of $46,620 and an additional $9,069 to outfit the vehicle with the required lighting and safety devices.

Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson asked the court for approval to purchase 20 Poll Pads at $1,700 each. Magistrates approved her request.

Kelly White, the regional jail consultant, updated the court on the ongoing project. Officials are still considering the former Green River Boys' Camp location for the proposed regional pail. According to White, the governor and Department of Justice have agreed to the site.

"Currently, the Finance Department is considering options," said White.

White said utilities are a concern, notably sewage, for the 350-bed facility.

According to White, each county, Butler, Ohio, and Edmonson, would be allotted approximately 50 beds, leaving about 200 beds for possible state and federal prisoners.

The court then went into a closed session pursuant to KRS 61.810. Upon their return, the court hired Jerry Basham as ferry supervisor beginning February 27 at a salary of $42,500 per year with a 60-day probation period. Magistrates also hired James Warren as a ferry operator at $14 per hour and a 60-day probation period.

The Butler County Fiscal Court endorsed the honorary designation of US Route 231 in Butler County, from Kentucky Route 70 (mile point 11.513) to the Butler Ohio County line (mile point 18.846) as the "Senator C. B. Embry Jr. Memorial Highway" and ask that the General Assembly adopt legislation making this designation during the 2023 Regular Session.