Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Fiscal Court met on Tuesday, May 26, at the Butler County Courthouse. All magistrates were present: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant.

After approving the minutes, the Court engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the AT&T contract for internet and phone service at the courthouse. Several bids were reviewed, but the Court ultimately chose AT&T.

On September 8, 2025, Benjamin Vance from AT&T informed the Court that analog phone lines would be discontinued by November 1, and that DSL service would end by early 2026. He proposed an upgrade to dedicated internet, a 4-hour service level agreement (SLA), and cellular backup for 911 and county offices.

According to Vance, the new system will be cloud-based and support up to 250 devices. The estimated monthly cost is $1,592 (previously $1,300), with two months of free service, possible further price reductions, and no installation charge. Thirty-six new phones will need to be purchased. The Court took no action and asked Vance to submit a final price at the next meeting.

Since then, the Court asked County Attorney Michelle Duvall to review the contract because only limited work has been completed, yet the Court has received a bill from AT&T for $13,252.70.

According to Duvall, she only has two pages of the contract and has requested the full document from AT&T. AT&T has until June 30 to complete the work. The Court believed there would be no installation charge; however, they have received an invoice. The Court approved payment to AT&T.

Amanda Guerra and Sara Kitchens from Kids on the Block requested a $772.50 donation for three programs at North Butler Elementary. The Court took no action.

Green River Equipment Leasing was previously awarded the contract for the barge in Rochester. They have now requested a $100,000 advance to cover material costs, which was not included in the original contract. The Court voted 3-2 to table the request, with Givens, Whittinghill, and Bryant voting yes, and Smith and Phelps voting no.

The Senior Center has been closed for two weeks. According to Judge Tim Flener, a kitchen incident left the interior blackened and caused severe damage to cabinets, drywall, and oven controls. Repairs are underway and are covered by BRADD insurance.

The Court approved the following:

BRADD Annual Due $6,664

First reading of the 26-27 Budget

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

Transfer of $10,000 from the General Fund to the E911 Fund

Bills and Transfers

 

Prior to the Fiscal Court meeting the Butler County Properties Corporation met.  Dillon Bryant and David Whittinghill resigned from the board.