Fiscal Court Ok's Bid For Over $300K In New Truck Purchases

County Attorney J.B. Hines (L) speaks with Judge Executive Wil Cannon at today's Fiscal Court meeting.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
A general range of topics was discussed at today's May 23, 2016 Fiscal Court meeting as the court awarded the new truck purchase bid to Tri-State International in Bowling Green. The court recently agreed to purchase three new dump trucks equipped with snow plows and had approved an approximate cost of $103K for each truck. 

Judge Cannon opened and read the sealed bid, the only bid received, from Tri-State which listed several options and prices. The court agreed to the price of $102,300 for each fully equipped, single axle truck with an additional $650 per truck for an extended transmission warranty. Delivery of the new trucks is expected for September or October of this year.

​Road Report
County Road Foreman Ray Page reported that patching and paving was complete in some districts and crews were moving into district four today. He said the dept. had been working on road tiles and repairing drain ditches, and he said his crew is still short one seasonal and one full time employee. He also said that two bridges which had been underwater due to recent flash flooding were opened back up on Saturday.
Sheriff Report
Sheriff Shane Doyle reported that the first Grand Jury since January was recently held and complimented his department for their recent work in several felony cases. He said of all forty-five cases presented, his department presented forty of them. He also said all of the deputies were doing a great job, and his office will be serving warrants this week.

He also expressed thanks to Chief Jeff Jewell and the Brownsville City Police for their assistance in the funeral detail of WWII Vet Wiley Willis. He said all local officers felt like a community icon such as Mr. Willis had earned the right for such a detail. 
Parks and Rec
Program Administrator Greg Hudson reported that the park was winding up Little League season and hoped that all league and tournament play would be finished by the middle of June.

He also said the first night of the Concert In The Park Series would be this Friday, May 27 at Chalybeate Park and will feature "Black Gold," a local rock band from the area. The event will be 6pm at Chalybeate, free to public, and donation boxes will be accessible.

He also credited several other businesses and organizations for their help with Parks and Rec projects. “When you see something that says done by Parks and Rec, know that several other community partners are involved, we don’t do it alone," he said.

Jailer Report
Deputy Jailer Todd Vincent reported around 30 county inmates lodged in Hart County Jail. He also noted that the department had experienced several car troubles. One cruiser had to be towed, the brakes recently locked up on another, and a third cruiser was experiencing windshield wipers that won’t turn off.

In other news, the court:

• Approved first reading of the $4.6 million dollar EC 2016-17 budget
• Changed Oak Hill Road speed limit from 45mph to 35mph ( a portion of road was 45)
• Appointed Chris Stewart to EC Board of Appeals. Stewart is an employee of Brantley Appraisals, Judge said Stewart seemed like the right person for job.
• Approved addition of time clock in Judge’s office. Cannon said it was necessary to better manage office staff time.

Tourism and Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons reported that there had been several photos submitted in the EC Tourism/Edmonson Voice Photo Contest. The contest will continue until June 10. She also announced the new St. John’s Food Pantry ribbon cutting will be held at 3pm on Tuesday, May 31st, as well as the Chamber of Commerce Cookout, Sat June 25, 11am-1pm.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported a very light 15% turnout on Election Day but expected that number to increase in November for the general election. He also reminder those in attendance that Wingfield Fire House Precinct will be open in November. In closing, he announced that the Clerk's office will be closed on Saturday, May 28 and Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day, as well as the Judge Executive's office.

Vicki Walker announced that the EC Senior Center will host a mini health fair, this Friday, May 27, featuring BRADD, the local DAV and Anthem Insurance. She also said that the new St. John's Food Bank that is scheduled for a May 31st Ribbon Cutting will work closely with Senior Food Pantry. Correction: it was incorrectly reported that the senior center would be hosting a public luncheon on 5/27, but lunch served on that day is a private event only. We apologize for the error.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 13th, 2016 at 9am.