Fiscal Court: County Qualifies For Up To $413K In Government Coronavirus Relief

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court has qualified for reimbursement of up to $413,000 from the federal government for the purpose of coronavirus relief, as discussed today at the county's fiscal court meeting.

It is not an up-front sum, but a payback program that will put funds spent from coronavirus back into the county's budget which includes salary reimbursement, emergency and safety equipment, work via telephone and video, and to aid emergency services from the sheriff's office, local fire departments, and ambulance services. 

County offices will have to submit receipts and other proper documentation for verification purposes and the U.S. Government will reimburse the county as necessary. The funds are available from usage from March 1 to December 30, 2020.

The resolution for the fund was approved by magistrates at today's meeting.

First Reading Of County's Fiscal Year 20/21 Budget Is Approved
Magistrates approved the first reading of the 2020-2021 fiscal year budget of Edmonson County Fiscal Court that showed an increase of $191,958 for the county's general fund.

The county's general fund budget rose 9.4% to $3,181,075 this year, compared to last year's $2,989,117. The county's road fund budget was approved at $2,109,706, a lower amount from last year's $2,123,848. The lower amount was due to last year's $523K in discretionary funds, which was not available this year.

County Receives Only One Bid For Backhoe Purchase: $79.5K
Magistrates approved to accept the bid from Diamond Equipment in Bowling Green for a 2016 Case 590 backhoe at a price of $79,500, which was the only bid submitted to the county. A recent accident totaled the county's backhoe, which resulted in a $36K insurance payout towards the purchase of another one. After a brief discussion, Magistrate Johnny Brooks made the motion to accept the bid, which was seconded by Magistrate Mark Meeks. During the discussion, it was made known that the additional $43,500 needed for the purchase was within the road department's budget and was no major issue. The road department saw an additional $400K in FEMA grant money over the past year for the purpose of the erosion and deterioration of some county roads due to flooding.

Dispatcher Promoted To Assistant 911 Director:
Long-time local dispatcher Robin Rigdon was promoted to the title of E911 Assistant Director, as voted upon by magistrates. Her pay will increase by $1.80 per hour. Robin has been a dispatcher in Edmonson County for 19 years, according to E911 Director Pat Prunty.

County Employees To See Slight Raise:
Magistrates approved a 2% raise for all county employees. It is a standard cost-of-living increase 

Magistrates also voted to:

• Approve Treasurer’s May Monthly Settlement Report.
• Acknowledge Dog Control’s May CAD/ Duty Status Report.
• Approve County Attorney’s Bond # 2122244 Renewal.
• Approve Sheriff’s May Monthly Fee Account Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s May Property Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s May Fire Protection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s May Franchise Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve KACo Workers Compensation renewal, Fiscal Year 2020/2021.
• Approve BRADD Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Dues.
• Approve CDBG Contract Grant Agreement 19-38, Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department.
• Approve Fiscal Year 2020/2021, Pre-Approved Recurring Expenses.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. in the upstairs courtroom of the Edmonson County Courthouse.