Fiscal Court Approves Sheriff's, County Clerk's Budget For Next Year

Darren Doyle
In the wake of huge budget issues occurring in Butler County, Edmonson County is fortunate to have elected officials and a fiscal court that work well together. The court approved both Sheriff Shane Doyle's proposed budget for next fiscal year, as well as County Clerk Kevin Alexander's budget.

Alexander presented his budget in the amount of $2,274,000 while Doyle's was $525,000. While both offices are funded by tax dollars, Doyle's budget also requires help from the county.  Doyle requested $114,000 from fiscal court, plus $6,000 reimbursement for a vehicle his department had previously turned over to the county.  The amount was actually $6k less than the amount asked for last year.

Road Report
Judge Cannon reported on behalf of Road Foreman Ray Page who was unable to attend, and said the new salt shed bin was nearing completion. He noted how well things were coming along and that the total price was probably going to come in far below the initial cost of around $40,000, due to his crew providing the majority of labor for the project.

Parks & Rec 
Event Coordinator Greg Hudson said that the little league basketball program was doing very well and players and parents were well pleased with the way the season had progressed. He also discussed several upcoming projects and events he's trying to assemble for the near future. A list of events can be found on their site at ecparksandrec.com

Animal Shelter Bid
The court granted the $30K bid for the county animal shelter to Greg and Kim Carroll. They were the only ones to submit a bid. All magistrates voted for the bid except District 6 Mark Woosley. He said he didn't want to vote to grant the bid to someone involved in a lawsuit that affects the county. The Carrolls are listed in a suit along with members of the last administration's fiscal court that is currently ongoing. "In my personal opinion, I didn't think it was a good idea to renew a contract with someone that had caused the county to be in a lawsuit," Mag. Woosley said. "Personally, I have nothing against the Carrolls."

The court also agreed to raise the parks and rec key deposit from $25 to $50 due to folks failing to return the keys when the park facilities are rented. Judge Cannon said the locks have to be changed each time a key is not returned, costing the county time and money. Cannon said the deposit increase is not an attempt for the county to make more money, but rather to encourage people to bring the keys back.

Judge Cannon said that the county is purchasing $3,065 in laminate flooring to replace the carpet in the indoor facility at Chalybeate Park. Cannon said the carpet was worn and stained, and that laminate flooring was a better long term investment for the building. He said prisoners will do the installation, saving the county on labor costs.

---