Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met at the courthouse on Monday, June 24. All magistrates attended: Stevie Givens (1st District), Kevin Phelps (2nd District), Allen Smith (3rd District), David Whittinghill (4th District), and Dillon Bryant (5th District).

Under old business, the court approved the Butler County Animal Shelter contract with the Friends of Butler County Animals organization. Jeanie Locke presented each fiscal court member with a folder of up-to-date information concerning the shelter. Magistrates thanked her for the information and for the job the Friends of Butler County Animals is doing at the shelter.  

The court also agreed to turn over the balance of $72,000 in the Mrs. Gilstrap Fund to the animal shelter. Mrs. Gilstrap had left money in her estate to be used for the care of animals in Butler County.

In new business, Sheriff Scottie Ward presented the 2023 Property Tax Settlement and the 2023 Franchise Tax Settlement to the court, pending final audits.

Magistrate Dillon Bryant presented his "celebration" money to the Gilstrap Community Center for repairs.  Ruth Kiper accepted the money on behalf of the center. 

Magistrate David Whittinghill asked that the balance of his "celebration" money, $106.95, be given to the Rochester Ladies League for their fireworks on July 6.

Magistrate Stevie Givens gave his "celebration" money, $1,500, to the Green River Catfish Festive to purchase gravel.

The Court approved a Cost Price Index CPI of 3.4% raise for the County Attorney and Coroner. They also approved a fifty-cent per hour raise for all non-elected employees.   The Court noted that the County has absorbed employee insurance increases since 2020. According to Judge Tim Flener, insurance costs about $10,000 per full-time employee.

The court accepted a state reimbursement of $1,275 for the last election, which cost the county approximately $50,000.

Magistrate Allen Smith reported that the cable at the Rochester Ferry has been replaced and asked that the old cable be declared surplus.

Magistrate Dillon Bryant stated that Mark and Becky Mudd had asked him to place three-tenths of Treasure Trace on the county road maintenance. Judge Flener appointed David Whittinghill and Allen Smith to review the road and application.

The court unanimously approved the following:

--Bills and transfers

--Litter abatement payments

--Treasurer's monthly settlement

--Payment to VEI upon completion of the project

--Drug Court Lease-if the same terms exist

--Spay/neuter Grant

--EMA Additional Funding Grant for laptop $1,300

--Flooring for the house at the Rochester Ferry $2,827.92 Duff & Duff Flooring

--Pay for the Board of Assessment members

 --Victim Advocate salary supplement $12,239.88