Fiscal Court Recap: County Clerk Lays Out Election Day Plans For Tuesday

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met today in the upstairs courtroom of the Edmonson County Courthouse. The entire meeting was broadcast live this morning on both EdmonsonVoice.com and the Edmonson Voice Facebook Page.

Road Report: 
County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll discussed several paving and tile jobs in various parts of the county, some of which was funded with FEMA disaster money. He said the county's new tractor had been outfitted with the proper equipment and mowing of right of ways is continuing. Finally, he noted that he was requesting a raise for employees, which was listed later on the agenda. He said he'd already confirmed with Treasurer Tammi Willhite that funds were available in the road department budget.

Sheriff Report:
Detective Wally Ritter gave this meeting's report that begin with a recap of the sudden death of Deputy K-9 Unit Tango and asked those in attendance to remember Deputy Jordan Jones, who was Tango's handler, in thoughts and prayers. He also discussed multiple felony arrests made by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office since the last meeting. He also said that Deputy Austin Meredith would be returning to the state's law enforcement academy as a result of the lifting of coronavirus restrictions at the academy.

Judge Executive Wil Cannon said that fiscal court is in process of getting a memorial plaque in honor of Deputy Tango.

Jailer Report:
Edmonson County Jailer's office submitted a report to Judge Cannon, which he read in open court. He said there were currently 14 county inmates incarcerated.

County Clerk:
County Clerk Kevin Alexander said his office, while still closed to the public, has still been extremely busy with both regular clerk business and the upcoming election, which is tomorrow, June 23rd. There will be only one open polling place, which will be the Edmonson County Community Center from 6am to 6pm. Social distancing will be practiced at the facility with multiple measures being taken for sanitation. Clerk Alexander said if you've requested an absentee ballot, they will still be counted as long as they're postmarked by tomorrow. He said approximately 60% of the requested ballots had been returned and that he expects a busy day at the Community Center tomorrow. Alexander reminded the court that this was not a local decision, rather the Governor's office has requested these measures be taken. 

He also announced that his office will not be open for regular clerk business on Tuesday. Office workers will be handling election business only.

Parks and Rec:
A submitted report from Parks and Rec was read by Judge Cannon, who reminded the court that this year's Freedom Fest has been cancelled. All youth sports were also cancelled this spring and summer and that rentals for park facilities will be offered to the public soon.

Other Business:​
The court then opened up sealed bids for road materials, which were submitted by multiple companies. Judge Cannon read the entirety of each bid, which took about a half hour. After all bids were read, the court voted to accept all bidders and that the county would purchase materials from whichever supplier was closer/most suitable for each individual job. A motion was made by Magistrate Johnny Brooks and seconded by Magistrate James Vincent.

Judge Cannon also reminded the court that all county road funding comes from taxes paid when purchasing fuel in Kentucky. No local property taxes go towards roads and none of that revenue can go to another department. All road revenue must go towards county roads only.

Magistrates also voted to approve the second reading of the county 2020-2021 budget. Magistrates approved the first reading on June 8th 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.

Road Department Raises Approved:
Judge Cannon read the current pay rates of Edmonson County road employees, which he said is part of public record information. Supervisor Carroll requested a dollar per hour raise for all employees, not including himself, who is salaried. A motion was made by Magistrate Edd Rich and seconded by Johnny Brooks, which passed.

The county also voted to: 

• Approve to Re-appoint N.E. Reed to Water Board for 4 year term, effective 8/24/2020, term to expire 8/24/2024.
• Approve June Cash Transfers.
• Acknowledge BGWC May Shelter Directors Report.
• Approve County Clerk’s May MVAV Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s May Excess Fee Account Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s May Deed Transfer Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s May Delinquent Tax Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve to change Holiday pay on Primary Election from May 19th to June 23rd, due to schedule change by Board of Elections.
• Approve Re-Appointment of Sarah Childress to Tourism Board effective June 1, 2020 for a 3 year term to expire June 1, 2023.
• Approve to Appoint Joel Davis to Tourism Board effective June 16, 2020 for a 3 year term to expire June 16, 2023.
• Approve to Appoint Scott Lindsey to Local Board of Health effective June 22, 2020 to fill vacancy left by Yvonne Campbell, term expiring December 31, 2021.
• Approve to Re-Appoint Ray Willhite to Recreation Tax Committee, effective 6/1/2020 for a 2 year term to expire 6/1/2022.
• Approve to Re-Appoint Andrea Brantley to Recreation Tax Committee, effective 6/1/2020 for a 2 year term to expire 6/1/2022.
• Set Road Committee to Evaluate Sorento Ct. (Dist. 4), Mallory Lane (Dist. 1) and Miranda Drive (Dist. 1) for possible adoption into County Road System.
• Approve Resolution EC 20-20, General Agreement between Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson County, US Army Corps of Engineers at Nolin River Lake and Cave Country Trails Initiative.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for July 13, 2020 at 9AM.