Fiscal Court Recap: April 23, 2018

Judge Executive Wil Cannon looks over documentation at today's fiscal court meeting.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Another short fiscal court meeting was held Monday, April 23, 2018 with several reports and approvals.

Road Report: County Road Assistant Foreman Greg Carroll gave the report today in place of Foreman Ray Page, who was out on vacation. He reported that blacktop work began last Tuesday for county roads. He also said that a large tile is set to be installed on Beaver Dam Church Road and that seasonal crew members had been hired as mowing season gets ready to be in full swing.

Sheriff Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle informed the court about Saturday night's accident that landed a burglary suspect in the hospital. The investigation is still ongoing. Sheriff Doyle then discussed delinquent taxes and how those names are published in the news. He said he has no control as to which names appear, but those who fail to pay their tax bill by the April deadline date are moved to the delinquent list and the system in which those bills are paid are no longer handled by his office.

Jailer Report: Deputy Jailer Todd Vincent reported that there were currently 19 county inmates housed in Hart County Jail with one on home incarceration. He also discussed the 8-passenger jailer transport van that was purchased just over a year ago. He said there were multiple problems underneath the vehicle; including brakes, tie rods, etc., where rust seemed to be the culprit. The air conditioning also doesn't work. He added that it would likely cost more to repair the van than it would be to purchase another used one. He said the jailer's office was interested in purchasing a 2013 15-passenger van from Hart County. The Jailer's office was planning on doing more research on the vehicle for sale.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander discussed the early voting that began last Monday; however, only one person had cast their vote so far. He also said poll worker training is set to begin this Wednesday. He added that delinquent tax bills have arrived and the numbers were significantly lower than last year's. Those bills will now be handled through County Attorney. 

Parks & Rec Report:  Parks director A.B. Webb reported on the recent disc golf tournament at Chalybeate: He said more than 360 players from all over the world, took part; one in particular from Sweden, and not the Sweeden from across the river. He noted Saturday's spring baseball and softball jamboree was a large success. He then discussed a problem with the court of the ballpark dumpsters being filled by the public. Judge Executive Wil Cannon noted that dumpsters are for park use only. Webb said hopefully surveillance cameras would be effective in keeping an eye on the parks.

In other court business, magistrates voted to:

• appoint Brad Brooks to the Planning Commission in lieu of the stepping down of J.C. Sanders
• appoint Andrea Brantley (from Chamber of Commerce) and Ray Willhite (County-At-Large) as new recreational commission board members
• move May 28th fiscal court meeting to May 25th due to Memorial Day
• approve BG/WC Humane Society's first quarter report
• approve to demolish dilapidated shed from barn at Chalybeate Park  

​Tourism and Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons also updated the court on several upcoming events for the Chamber, Tourism, Planning Commission, and Trail Town; all of which are published on the Edmonson VOICE Community Calendar.

Barbara Fitzhugh, from St. John's Thrift store spoke out against United Way's 2-1-1 phone directory program. She is the county volunteer who takes these calls. The system is supposed to be a directory of charitable services in each county that provides free information to anyone with questions about housing, healthcare, tax help, and other free services; however, she said 95% of calls she's received are from other counties and that apparently United Way is directing other county's calls to Edmonson County. United Way of Southern KY recently asked the fiscal court for a $500 donation, which was down from the thousands they had requested when the program first became available. Judge Cannon said the court would have to contact United Way to find out why calls from other counties are being directed here. 

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for May 14th at 8:45am.