Fiscal Court: County Explores Purchase of Webb-Co Bldg

The agenda was completely full at yesterday's Edmonson County Fiscal Court, some of it we have already reported. The first being that Hellervik Oilfield Technologies is progressing toward the purchase and management of the Rocky Hill Gas Plant, and the monthly Sheriff's report for March. 

Judge Wil Cannon also reported that the county is currently paying $275/mo in rent for 400sq ft of the former Webb-Co Bldg (next to the Community Center) only to store food bank items. The owner, Timmy Vincent, offered to sell the entire building to the county for the amount of $103,000. Various members of the court agreed that if the purchase price was fair, the building could be a benefit to the county in the long run, however, most all the court agreed that the $103K price was significantly too high.

Judge Cannon discussed various offers and what the payment would be over different time periods. The court discussed a number of reasons that owning the building would be good for the county government, such as more office space, storage, the location of the building, and the possibility of a monthly payment not being a great deal higher than the rent that's currently being paid.  

Cannon also discussed that if the current asking price was set in stone, then purchasing the building would become very difficult and wouldn't be feasible. The court agreed to further discuss with the current owner and report back at the next meeting.

Additional items on the agenda were as follows:

• Barbara Johnson from the Edmonson County Conservation Office submitted the groups proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The office is requesting $16,595.00, which is $1255 more than last year. The court agreed to study the budget and vote on the matter in the future.
• The county agreed to continue their annual donation of $1,000 to the American Red Cross.
• Discussion of new Jaws of Life Agreement with Kyrock VFD. The agreement says that Kyrock will provide the equipment and use of, while the county provides insurance and fuel. The vehicle used for the equipment was purchased through a grant secured by Edmonson County Emergency Management's Pat Prunty. It will be voted on the next agenda.
• Approved the addition of another Deputy Jailer, Todd Vincent. His duties began immediately. Jailer Hank Vincent said he would be used in various scenarios, especially on court dates. 
  
• Jailer Vincent also reported that the new home incarceration program for non-violent offenders was going very well. It is providing a little extra income for the county as the prisoners are required to pay up-front for the use of the equipment and any fees associated with the program. 
• Approved County Clerk Kevin Alexander to apply for a KY Dept of Library & Archives Grant in the amount of approx. $20,000. Alexander said that the county was virtually guaranteed the grant and the funds would be used to transfer old record books to digital format. It would be a back-up system in case the books were ever damaged or lost. The new records would also be accessible online.

Edmonson Voice Staff