Fiscal Court Recap: Fiscal Year 2025 Pay Increases, Jail Budget, and More Discussed

Madison Doyle, story:
Many topics were discussed at tonight's fiscal court meeting. The meeting began with Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey leading the court in the pledge of allegiance, and multiple county department heads giving updated reports since the last meeting. County Clerk Kevin Alexander stated that the Clerk's office will be closed on Good Friday (this Friday) and this Saturday.

The first major item of business discussed was the jail budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The budget is increasing to $564,900. Edmonson County Jailer Todd Vincent said the budget was increasing due to the price increase of supplies and materials, such as radios and gas. Salaries for all employees will remain the same.

The second major item of business discussed on was the County Employee Fiscal Year 2025 pay increases, which was voted on a 3% raise across the board (minus elected officials). This is a 3% decrease from last year. District 2 Magistrate TJ Massey shared his reasoning for why he chose the 3% increase.

"I think it's really hard to pick and choose which employees deserve the raise and which ones don't, so I think this 3% is a pretty safe blanket."

All of the other magistrates said they agreed and were in favor of the 3% increase; there were no other suggestions.

It was also approved to get a new countywide alert program, Text My Gov- iWorq Systems. The current system is Code Red, which is used to send out alerts for boil water advisories, etc. The new system is easier to maneuver and free for users. It is a text alert system where you can choose which alerts you would like to receive. It will also cost the county $250 less per year than the current system.

The court also voted to approve an ordinance that will allow the county to essentially borrow money from KACo to finance the Sunfish Roundhill Road Project.

It was also voted approve an ordinance that will put around $41,000 back into ARPA funds. County Clerk Kevin Alexander said that a couple years ago, magistrates approved the purchase of new election equipment. At the time, former Judge/Executive Wil Cannon wanted to use ARPA funds for the purchase. Alexander explained that the Clerk's office purchased all equipment necessary, and this $41,000 can't be used for any of their needs. This ordinance will allow the money to be placed back into ARPA funds and potentially be used for something else.

The court also voted to:

• Approve Fiscal Year 2025 Edmonson County Conservation District Budget.
• Approve Fiscal Year 2025 Edmonson County Conservation District Plan of Operations.
• Acknowledge Fiscal Year 2025 Big Reedy Watershed Conservancy District Budget.
• Approve Resolution EC24-09, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Grant. Law Enforcement Protection Program Funds.
• Approve Ordinance EC24-10, Financing FEMA Project Sunfish Roundhill Road.
• Approve Resolution EC24-11, Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Grant, Cyber Security.
• Approve Resolution EC24-12, AW Enterprises, LLC contract for Display of Fireworks.
• Acknowledge National Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2024 at 4 pm.