Fiscal Court Recap: Magistrates Suggest Tax Rates Drop Again, Tax Hearing Scheduled

Madison Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met Monday, July 22, 2024 and the meeting was rather short, consisting of little to no discussion and a very light crowd.

The court voted to schedule the annual tax hearing for August 12th at 3:45 PM, 15 minutes before the next scheduled fiscal court meeting. Magistrates agreed to suggest a tax rate drop, from 13.2 cents per $100 of property in 2023 to 12.6 cents per $100 for 2024.

County tax rates have either dropped or remained the same in Edmonson County for the past several years. The rate was 13.9 from 2016 - 2020, then dropped to 13.8 in 2021, dropped again in 2022 to 13.7, then again to 13.2 last year.

The court also voted to approve Resolution EC24-26, "Medical Cannabis Business Operations." Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey explained "all this resolution is, is a professional way of saying that we as a court will not vote to move forward with any medical marijuana business until it is voted on in November by the people of Edmonson County.

Another resolution, EC24-27, Attorney General Department of Criminal Investigations Grant was also approved tonight. Judge Lindsey said this grant will be used to gather funding for body cameras for the Sheriff's department.

There were no other major discussions at tonight's meeting. The court voted to:

• Acknowledge County Clerk’s June Document Storage Fee Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s June MVAV Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s June Excess Fees Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s June Deed Transfer Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s June Occupational Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s June Delinquent Tax Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Acknowledge BGWC June Shelter Directors Report.
• Approve R&R Service Estimate for Community Center HVAC Replacement.
• Approve Resolution EC24-25, Help America Vote Act-Election Security.
• Acknowledge Edmonson County Conservation District Annual Report.
• Acknowledge Edmonson County Conservation District FY24 Financial Report.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2024 at 4 PM.