Fiscal Court Recap, January 23, 2023: Update On Possible Tri-County Jail Location

Madison Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met Monday night, January 23, 2023. It is one of two night meetings per year held by the fiscal court. The meeting was called to order by Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, who then led the court in the pledge of allegiance. Before the court moved into the agenda, Judge Lindsey acknowledged and expressed his gratitude towards the several community members in attendance.

"Before we get started, I want to say how happy I am to see this many people out here tonight. I haven't seen this many people from the community come to one of our meetings in a long time," Judge Lindsey said as the magistrates nodded in agreement. Lindsey encouraged all those who came to come back, and said he hopes more people come in the future.

Multiple county department heads gave updated reports within their offices as usual. County Attorney Adam Turner stated he is happy to announce he has moved into his physical office and is fully operational. Turner said the County Attorney's office will keep the same P.O. box, (340), and the same phone number, which is 270-597-9609. The address to the County Attorney's office is 322 Washington Street, Brownsville KY.

Moving into new business on the agenda, Judge Lindsey invited Regional Jail Consultant Kelly White, working with Regional Jail Authority, to update the court and community on the progress of possibly building a Tri-County Regional Jail. White said the most important thing currently being worked on is finding a proper location for the jail. White stated there is a former boys' camp for juvenile justice off the old parkway (now closed) which is in the process of being put on a surplus property of the state of Kentucky that they [the regional jail committee] felt was a suitable location.

"We contacted the governor's office and said 'Hey, why don't you give this to us?' So, that's what we are working with right now. There have been a couple of hiccups right now, but the Kentucky Justice Cabinet is in our favor, and so is the Governor's office," White said. "With that being said we are optimistic. Can it go south? Yes, it's state government. Our next step is visiting a couple of jails in similar size to what we think we will need."

The court voted to:

• Approve to waive rental fees for Band Boosters Concert at the Community Center on May 5, 2023.
• Approve all KACO, KCJEA, KMCA, KACTFO, DLG and ATVG Conferences for 2023.
• Approve all KACO, BRADD and DLG training events for 2023.
• Approve Sheriff’s December County Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s December Fire Protection Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Treasurer’s December Monthly Settlement, with updated Opioid Settlement Fund.
• Approve Judge’s Quarterly Report, with updated Opioid Settlement Fund.
• Approve Jailer’s Quarterly Report, 2nd Quarter FY23.
• Approve Bank of Edmonson County, Custodian Agreement.
• Acknowledge FRYSC Proclamation.
• Approve County Clerk Harp Enterprises, Inc Election Services 4 year contract.
• Approve County Clerk 4th Quarter Report, pending final audit.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for February 13, 2023, at 9am.