Fiscal Court Recap: February 24, 2020

County To Receive $248K In FEMA Emergency Funding For Flood Road Repair

Darren Doyle, story:
A very light agenda was discussed at today's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting for Monday, February 24, 2020.

Judge Executive Wil Cannon updated the court on the current health condition of District 3 Magistrate Clark Wood, who was absent again for illness. Judge Cannon said Magistrate Wood was in the critical care unit at the Medical Center in Bowling Green with a heart condition. He said that according to family members, he was hoping to gain strength so that he could undergo surgery. He expressed his thoughts and prayers on behalf of the court.

Various county offices gave reports to the court.

Road Report: County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll reported that through his office, Emergency Manager Terry Massey, and County Treasurer Tammi Willhite, more than $248K in emergency funding from FEMA was awarded to Edmonson County to repair flooded county roadways. Carroll said the county has until October 7th to complete all the work, which he said shouldn't be a problem.

He also said that 140 tons of salt will be ordered to keep on hand. He discussed several different road repairs, tile extensions, and various works happening throughout the county which included Bald Knob Rd. repairs going into the golf course at Park Mammoth. Judge Cannon said the new owner has discussed donating a larger right-of-way to the county for the purpose of widening the narrow road. Cannon said if that proceeds then the county would ask for state discretionary funds for the project.

Sheriff Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle sent an emailed statement through Sgt. Wally Ritter, who attended in the sheriff's place. Doyle is still recovering from shoulder surgery. In the statement read by Ritter, Doyle said he is still 3 weeks from returning to duty and that Kentucky State Police was assisting with calls during his absence and the continued short staffed sheriff's office. Ritter also added that special deputies had also increased their volunteer time during this period. He ended the report by mentioning the recent armed robbery at Z Mart in Sweeden. He said KSP was handling the investigation and the sheriff's office was assisting.

Jailer Hank Vincent reported 24 county inmates were currently housed at the Hart County Jail.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported  that his office had completed another audit and that it went well

​Judge Cannon asked for a motion to accept Marvin Way and Gail Court into the county road system, which had been discussed in prior fiscal court meetings; however County Attorney Greg Vincent noted that the motion could not take place today, due to failure of the committee to submit the proper report to fiscal court. He also said that in addition to the report, the fiscal court would have to advertise a public notice for a vote on the matter. Judge Cannon then scheduled a committee meeting to move forward with the proper steps. 

The court also voted to increase Road Supervisor Greg Carroll's salary from $40,800 per year to $45,800 per year. Judge Cannon said he had some doubts when Carroll was hired as interim supervisor last year but said Carroll has proven he can do the job properly. A motion was made my Mag. Johnny Brooks and seconded by Mag. Edd rich for the salary increase.

The Edmonson County Conservation District gave their annual report to the court, which was read by Danny Vincent. Mr. Vincent said he was glad not to have to request any money from the county. Last year, the conservation district implemented a  millage tax of.01044, or $10.44 per $100,000 worth of property for county property owners. Vincent discussed several portions of their program that helped local farmers, cost sharing, the local Cattlemen's Association, and various school programs. Vincent thanked the county for their cooperation and the county voted to acknowledge their annual budget.

The court also voted to:

• approve Community Action's lease for office space in the Community Center through February 2022
• acknowledge Big Reedy Watershed Conservancy District budget
• approved speed limit of 20 MPH on Twin Oaks Road​

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2020 at 9am.