Fiscal Court Recap April 22, 2019- New Ordinances & Road Supervisor

Judge Executive Wil Cannon addressing the court during the Monday April 22nd meeting.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
Edmonson County fiscal court was held on Monday, April 22, 2019 at the Edmonson County Courthouse. In addition to the regular county office reports that were given, new ordinances were presented to the court and a new county road foreman was officially hired.

Road Report- Greg Carroll reported that Cedar Grove and Black Gold Bridges on went under water on Saturday. The road crew finished working on Mt. Zion Rd. in District 6 that was part of the flex money from last year. The crew also finished working on Beaver Dam Church Rd with the flex money set aside for it. According to Carroll, Magistrate Corey VanMeter decided to have the crew work on the rest of his district’s part of the road. The new signs for expecting delays came in and paving will begin next week. Greg reported maintenance on equipment. The mowers started mowing today and they are on the south side.

The court also approved to appoint Greg Carroll as Road Supervisor. He has completed and passed all the required state testing. The position is effective as of April 15th with a  $40,000 per year salary. Carroll is fulfilling former foreman Ray Page's term which is set to end on December 31, 2022.

The court also approved the hiring of David Minor as a full time road employee at $11.50 per hour, contingent on a search of his driving history report, which is scheduled to be conducted this week.

EM Director Report-  EM Director Terry "Moose" Massey reported a total of 3 emergency runs.

Sheriff Report- Sheriff Shane Doyle reported an insurance claim that was filed by Deputy Wally Ritter. He said that Deputy Ritter encountered an unruly person during an arrest and received multiple kicks to his hips and stomach area. Ritter was put on light duty for one week per a doctor recommendation. Ritter has made a full recovery and is back to regular duty.

Sheriff Doyle also reported a meth arrest that happened over the weekend. Doyle also spoke about the annual mock crash that is put on by local emergency personnel for high school students and stated that he believes students were greatly impacted.

Jailer Report- Jailer Hank Vincent reported a total 19 county inmates housed at the Hart County Jail. Vincent stated a vehicle had a broken shift cable and had to be towed to Hilltop repair shop. The vehicle has been repaired and is now in working order.  

County Attorney Report- Greg Vincent spoke about the Rock Castle Shooting range case and said that the county has won the case for the owed back taxes and are currently working on securing that payment. More information will be released as it becomes available. Vincent also reported he has written several new ordinances and resolutions which were later discussed.

The court approved the first reading of the Conservation District Ordinance EC19-11 regarding the millage tax for funding. The court also approved of first reading of the Transient Room Tax Ordinance EC19-08 for the levying of a lien upon real estate owned by delinquent taxpayers and modifying the interest rate for unpaid transient room tax.

The first reading of the Recreational Tax Ordinance EC19-09 for the levying of a lien upon real estate owned by delinquent recreational license taxpayers was also approved. The court also approved Resolution EC19-10, a Memorandum of Agreement between the Edmonson County Fiscal Court and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways for the amount of $181,565 for the North Main Street Bridge project.

County Clerk Report- County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported his attendance at a conference last week and that election training for poll workers begins tomorrow. A new state mandated computer system was installed last week and Alexander said delays due to the new system are probable.

Tourism Report- Rhonda Clemmons shared the success of the Cave Area Celebration that took place last week. She stated that over 300 people attended the event. Rhonda also reported that Rochelle Wright is the new director of Cave Country Trails and that the Chamber luncheon sponsored by Alford’s Pharmacy and A+ Family Healthcare is on May 10th at the library at 11am.

Cindy Rich and John Whittle of Preserving Edmonson County INC spoke with the court during the April 22nd meeting.

Representatives of Preserving Edmonson County INC, a non-profit group dedicated to the beautification of Edmonson County came to Fiscal Court to seek approval of a resolution needed to obtain certain grants. After reviewing the resolution, County Attorney Greg Vincent advised the court that many aspects of the resolution should be rewritten to protect the county, due to the fact that the current resolution didn’t specify approval for grants or projects that would be associated to the Edmonson County’s name, along with other needed information about the non-profit.

​The Representatives of Edmonson County Pride thanked Vincent for his expertise and ensured the court that they want the resolution to be right. The non-profit will work with the County Attorney to create a resolution that protects the County while ensuring they have what they need in order to receive grants for their projects.  

The court also:

-Approve to hire part time dog control employee Sunshine Brewer at $9.00 per hour. 
-Approved to appoint Chris Stewart to Planning Commission, effective May 14, 2019 with term ending September 30, 2019. 
-Approve Resolution EC19-12, Jailer Duties and Compensation