Fiscal Court Night Meeting Recap: January 14, 2019

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:​
​One of the two annual night meetings for Fiscal Court was held last night in the upstairs courthouse. Around three dozen visitors were in attendance. ​It was the first full fiscal court meeting attended by three newly elected county magistrates in their official capacities: District One Mark Meeks, District Two Corey Vanmeter, and District Six James Vincent.

Several attended the night meeting on Monday January 14th.

Road Report- Assistant County Road Foreman Greg Carroll updated the court on repairs for both backhoes, which have both been completed. Mowing is almost complete in district six and will be moving into district 4. The road department finished accepting job applications last week and will begin conducting interviews this week. The automatic gate openers were picked up and Carroll reminded the public that these openers are not a luxury item and are needed for safety. Last year Foreman Ray Page was pinned between the gate and their truck which created a dangerous situation. The gate opener's expense came out of the road department budget.

EM Director Report- EM Director Terry "Moose" Massey reported 28 emergency runs during the last quarter.

Sheriff Report- Sheriff Shane Doyle reported that since the beginning of the year, 44 citations have been given which included everything from speeding tickets to warrants served. The Sheriff said he has been working with KSP to update all their contact info for school and county officials. He also discussed the Sheriff’s Office assisting KSP in a double fatality accident last Thursday. Edmonson County Deputies were first on the scene but KSP was called in due to the nature of the accident.

Jailer Report- Hank Vincent reported that there are 21 county inmates at the Hart County jail and one on the home incarceration program. There were multiple ER visits and Vincent said in some cases they will work with the judge to get the inmate released for medical care but that is dependent the inmate’s charges. All jailer vehicles are reportedly in good shape.

County Clerk Report- County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported on the 2018 taxes for the county. The following numbers were reported.  $27,711.61 in delinquent tax, $55,493.64 of transfer taxes, $132,892.28 in motor vehicle tax and $304,792.22 in excess fees. These excess fees go back into the community and are used for Parks & Rec, courthouse and community center updates, etc.

Parks & Rec Report- Program administrator John Kiernan shared that little league basketball is currently having games. April 13th is the start of baseball season. The Edmonson County Easter egg hunt will be held on April 20th. The 2019 Freedom Fest date has been set for June 28th.

Magistrates participate in discussion at the Jan. 14, 2019 Fiscal Court meeting.

Jan. 14, 2019 marked the first fiscal court meeting for three new magistrates.

Rhonda Clemmons reported that Chamber of Commerce is beginning their 2019 membership drive. Forms can be picked up on the Chamber door in the courthouse or signing up online at edmonsonchamber.com. In addition to the membership drive the Chamber is planning a free breakfast in the first quarter that will be sponsored by Edmonson Health Care Center and a free luncheon in May sponsored by St. Johns.

She also announced the EC Planning commission will meet Tuesday, January 22nd in the downstairs office at 7pm. All forms and plats must be turned in the Friday before to be on the agenda. If anyone has items to turn in they can call 270-597-2222 to setup a drop off time and to go over documents.

Clemmons also noted that The Edmonson County Tourism Commission is currently working with the SOKY Film Commission to have language changed in the KY Film Incentive Program to restore the program back to what it was and is seeking letters of support. Edmonson County Tourism is also currently working with Caveland Marketing to distribute alternative visitor info to cave visitors that are being turned away due to no cave tours, in hopes that these visitors will still find other things to do in the area. She also updated the court on room and rec tax collection. Fourth quarter dues went out and are due January 15th.  A new tax collection program for Airbnb is being written so that their website will honor the taxing districts that rentals are in and Edmonson County will get their tax money from web hosting sites.

Scott Waste representative Mr. Pete Reckard, was at the meeting tonight to address questions or concerns from the court and public. Commercial trash pickup for dumpsters was discussed due to the price increase. The county will be looking into other company options for commercial pickup. The Scott Waste contract is due to renew in June.

​The court also discussed whether or not to continue monthly allowances for employee telephone bills. Judge Executive Wil Cannon said that if they continue to give monthly allowances for cell phone bills he recommends the court deciding on a guideline for cellphone use. County Attorney Greg Vincent also expressed his support in developing a policy for cellphone use. The court voted to keep the allowances the way they are until a policy is put into place rather than eliminating the cellphone allowances. 

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2019 at 9am in the upstairs courtroom. ​