Fiscal Court Recap: February 11, 2019

Fiscal court session on February 11, 2019.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:​
Edmonson County Fiscal Court was held on Monday, February 11, 2019 in the upstairs courtroom of the county courthouse. The following reports were given from different county offices:

Road Report- Assistant County Road Foreman Greg Carroll reported that the gate company installed the new electric gate last week. The road crew did some of the installation themselves, which saved around $500.00. With all the rain recently, parts of the county received 3 inches of rain and many bridges were flooded. Greg also reported one of the pickup trucks has a wiring issue and is currently being serviced and that mowing is in district 5.

EM Director Report- EM Director Terry "Moose" Massey reported a total of 9 recent emergency runs to the court.

Sheriff Report- Sheriff Shane Doyle reported that deputies were able to recover several stolen vehicles, all of which were unrelated incidents. Doyle also reported that Deputy Stoney Phillips held a training on Saturday for special deputies and constables.  Doyle will also be holding a legal training for special volunteer deputies and constables this week. Multiple vehicle repairs were recently needed, to include replacing a starter on the older Ford Explorer, brakes and rotors on Deputy Stoney’s vehicle, and Deputy Skaggs' vehicle is currently being serviced. Sheriff Doyle told the court that deputy radios weren’t working properly and they are looking into whether it is a connection issue or if the equipment is faulty due to age. Doyle stated that the radios are their lifeline and that they must work properly. Doyle also said some of the deputies also need new boots and uniform attire and reminded the court that those items were removed from his budget. He said these items couldn't be purchased in the current budget.

Judge Executive Wil Cannon recommended that the court revisit the budget and try to add funding back to Doyle's office so he can upgrade equipment and provide uniforms when needed. The court has added these concerns to the next fiscal court agenda.

Jailer Report- There are currently 17 inmates at the Hart County jail, along with two on home incarceration. One ER visit was reported, along with rear shocks being put onto the van.

County Attorney Report- Greg Vincent reported full payment has been received and the case between the fiscal court and the previous county clerk has been officially closed.

County Clerk Report-- Kevin Alexander reported the statewide elections for governor will be in May.    The only upcoming local race will be in the fall for a school board member.

Parks & Rec Report- Parks director A.B Webb reported the bathroom remodel at the HWY 70 ballpark is almost complete.

Tourism- Rhonda Clemmons stated the membership drive is still going on. The next tourism meeting will be on 2/19.

The court approved the appointment of Amy Heath to finance officer.

A spokesperson from the 2020 Census also spoke during the meeting. The Census is looking to fill part time jobs within the county.  At the time of the census, employees must be 18 years or older. This is a work-from-home position with paid training and the ability to earn $14.00 per hour. The census provides demographics information for our area. The 2020 census will be 100% online and citizens can utilize the library to complete the census.  Visit 2020census.gov/jobs to apply. ​

David Embry discussing the importance of the Ag tag donations for the community.

The court acknowledged Judge Executive Wil Cannon’s proclamation of February 16th-23rd as FFA week.  In response to this proclamation County Clerk Kevin Alexander and David Embrey, of the extension office both spoke of the importance of programs like FFA, 4-H and the Kentucky Proud. Alexander stated that March is Ag tag month and over the years they have seen a decline in the optional $10.00 donation.

​Embrey said many people aren’t aware that those donations come right back to the county and is split between Kentucky Proud, FFA, and 4-H. Those donations help make 4-H camp possible for many children who wouldn’t be able to attend otherwise. Stay connected to the Edmonson Voice for more information on this within the next few weeks.  

​In response to the heavy rain fall the county has been receiving, Magistrates Corey VanMeter and Mark Meeks both ordered high water level signs for certain bridges within their districts to alert people of the possibility of flooding during heavy rain. The road crew has been working diligently to get road closing signs put into place as early as possible to prevent accidents due to flooded roads. The public is reminded to stop at the closed signs instead of driving further down to see flooded bridges, as there are sometimes no places to turn around past the signs.