Fiscal Court Accepts Bids for New Jaws of Life Vehicle, Will Also Apply for $50K Parks Grant

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Fiscal Court voted to accept three bids for a new Jaws of Life vehicle at the Monday, February 9, 2026 fiscal court meeting.

According to Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, the current Jaws of Life vehicle is now dated and needs updating for multiple reason; the main one being storage for crucial safety equipment.

"We just accepted all three bids that we received in order to look them over, compare them, and make sure that the bids are consistent with each other as to the type of vehicle and needed storage needed for the Jaws of Life," Lindsey told the Edmonson Voice. "The bids will be turned over to the committee that was formed to look into this project. They will make a recommendation to the Fiscal Court once a decision has been made. This committee is comprised of Mickey Johnson, Mark Meeks, TJ Massey, Tammi Willhite, and Ashley Ritter."

Lindsey said the county has a contract with Kyrock Fire Dept that was put in place several years ago to provide Jaws of Life services countywide. In that contract, it specifies that the county is responsible for providing a vehicle for use.

The court also approved 2027 fiscal year Jailer's compensation and duties. Magistrates approved the salary amount of $42,271 per year. The Jailer is responsible for the lawful custody, transportation, and housing coordination of inmates. The jailer not only transports when someone is arrested, but also on court dates. The jailer also oversees contractual inmate housing with regional detention facilities, ensures safe and secure inmate transport, maintains compliance with Kentucky law, and coordinates with courts, law enforcement, and county officials. The jailer is also responsible for responding to any medical needs that may arise with any of the county inmates. 

The court also voted to apply for a T-Mobile Hometown Grant for Edmonson County Parks and Rec. According to Judge Lindsey, the grant can be utilized for up to $50,000.

"Cody Stewart, Parks and Recreation Director, is putting together a proposal to use the grant to upgrade the baseball and softball fields in the Chalybeate Sports Complex," Lindsey told the Voice. "We are making plans and working on projects to upgrade every county owned park. This grant would help financially move this project forward. This is a 100% grant, so it does not require the county to match any percentage of the funding."

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026 at 4PM.