Final Fiscal Court For Judge, Treasurer and Two Magistrates

It was a bittersweet occasion for some at today's fiscal court meeting. Not only was it the final meeting of the year, it was also the last one for Judge Executive N.E. Reed, a 21 year veteran of the office, as well as county treasurer Ann Bullock, District 2 Magistrate Willie Lindsey, and District 6 Magistrate Neil Vincent. 

Above: Judge N.E. Reed moderates the fiscal court one last time. L-R: Reed, Buck Simmons, Edd Rich, Willie Lindsey, J.B. Hines, Clark Wood, Johnny Brooks.

As today's meeting began, Parks and Rec Director A.B. Webb addressed the court and gave a heartfelt goodbye to Judge Reed, Treasurer Bullock, and both outgoing magistrates. The court then heard from county road foreman Ray Page. Page reported current projects in operation, such as backhoe work, multiple rocking areas, mowing and clearing, as well as ditching and road tiles in the various districts. Both Reed and Bullock praised Page for his leadership and the workmanship from the road department during their respective terms.

There was recognition of the outgoing magistrates and treasurer as Reed presented plaques to Willie Lindsey, Neil Vincent, and Ann Bullock. Judge Reed was also the recipient of plaques himself, as he was presented awards from Keith Sanders, director of the Ambulance Service, and from Ron Lafferty, director of the Drug Task Force.

Coroner Michael Alexander gave the yearly coroner's report. In addition to the report, he also explained the duties of the office of the coroner.  He said that he must determine the cause and manner of death and that in some incidents, he and staff members are on a case for 16-20 consecutive hours. With specific detail, he reported that the county had 31 deaths in 2014.
 
 The court also approved:

• Re-wording and the signing of the Webb-Co building lease agreement 
• Appointment of Debbie Cain to Ambulance Board
• Announcements of county road additions for 2015, which include new roads in entirety as well as lengthening maintenance areas for others: Arthur Blvd, Carnes Rd, Kaliegh Ct, Hawsell St, and Hogan Cemetery Road.
• Jailer's bond, Fiscal continuation position schedule bond, Sheriff's continuation bond, the public officials bond of Kevin Alexander, Shane Doyle, and Wil Cannon, and the county revenue bond of Shane Doyle
• Authorization of the Judge Executive to negotiate room and recreational taxes
• 2015 County holidays
• Partnership renewal of a Jaws of Life Vehicle with Kyrock VFD
• Hiring of Joseph Vincent as interim transportation officer while current officer is absent due to recent surgery
• One year contract extension to the current county dog warden-- No other bids were received
• Excess fees from the county attorney's office ($30,000) that were originally up for grabs in county departments to go directly to the new county attorney's office for operation costs, due to an error in fee collecting and the reporting thereof
• Scheduling of special fiscal court meeting for 1/5/15 to hire or rehire county employees for 2015
• Acceptance of Treasurer Ann Bullock's resignation
• Swearing in of magistrates for 2015

Drug Task Force Director Ron Lafferty presents honorary plaque to outgoing Judge Executive N.E. Reed.

Ambulance Service Director Keith Sanders presents Reed with honorary plaque.

Judge Reed presents District 2 outgoing magistrate Willie Lindsey a plaque for his service.

Outgoing Treasurer Ann Bullock, receives honorary plaque from Judge Reed.

Neil Vincent, outgoing District 6 magistrate, accepts plaque from Judge Reed.

Attendees at today's meeting enjoy a reception in honor of outgoing members as well as newly elected ones.

Ann Bullock also gave an emotional goodbye as she addressed the court. She thanked everyone for all their work and cooperation over the years. She said she plans to spend more time with her grandchildren. "I've enjoyed my 16 years as county treasurer," she said. "I've been by Judge Reed's side through thick and thin and I really enjoyed working with the court. I expect Edmonson County to keep making progress in the future." She also added, "It's bittersweet...I didn't think it would be, I thought I'd leave here jumping for joy! But I was a little sad because you make a lot of friends here. I wish all the new court the best."

Judge Reed swears in new and incumbent magistrates. L-R: Joe Durbin, Mark Woosley, Clark Wood, Johnny Brooks, Buck Simmons, Edd Rich.

Darren Doyle, Story and Photos
Edmonson Voice