Fiscal Court Recap, March 12, 2018: Updates and More

County Reports Given, Local ATV Park Reopens

Darren Doyle, story:
Several items were discussed at today's fiscal court meeting, such as the Memorial Road Ordinance first reading and the Road Department's wrecker purchase. 

​Various county offices also gave individual reports, including County Road Foreman Ray Page who discussed last night's snowfall that resulted in Edmonson County Schools being closed today. He said road crew members reported to work at 3am this morning and began plowing roads around 4am. He also said that snowfall amount ranged anywhere from 3 inches all the way up to 6 inches in some places near the forks of the river.

Sheriff’s Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle said that his office had made seven different felony arrests over a short period of time, with one case that involved the identity theft arrest case that included fraudulent credit cards and money orders on February 28th. He said the case has now been turned over to federal authorities.  He also spoke briefly about the car that crashed under the Brownsville Bridge.

Jailer Hank Vincent reported that there were 28 Edmonson County inmates currently housed in the Hart County Jail with one on home incarceration. He said the number was elevated slightly due to more drug related charges, with some as a result of child support violations.

​Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons updated the court regarding items discussed by the local tourism board. Plans are in the works for the possibility of new signs around town pointing to boat ramps and other river access. She announced that the next Trail Town meeting is scheduled for March 29 at the public library at 6pm that will feature a University of Kentucky landscape and architectural designs presentation. Chamber membership still ongoing and those interested can visit edmonsonchamber.com for more info.

Clemmons also noted that Blue Holler ATV Park has reopened, but with a balance of around $1,000 in unpaid county recreational taxes from their previous attempt at running the park a couple years ago. She said she had been in contact with the managers and a plan has apparently been put in place for the taxes to be paid.

Judge Wil Cannon said he and Sheriff Doyle recently visited the park to discuss previous issues that had some area residents upset. Cannon said there was an excessive amount of traffic around the park, which blocked some roadways in the area.

Cannon said park managers are working on solutions for the traffic problems and Sheriff Doyle said his office didn't receive any complaint calls over this past weekend. Magistrate Johnny Brooks said managers are also planning for the purchase of a new entrance which should take care of the congestion. He also said someone from the park is also considering purchasing a street-sweeper to help with mud that is being left on the roadways.

Judge Cannon said the park is supposed to have their back taxes paid when they pay their new taxes for their first quarter.

The court also heard from the Edmonson County Conservation District, who requested a 2% increase in funding from the county from last year's budget. Last year's amount of $19,400 was increased to a $19,800 amount for the new budget. The motion passed.

The fiscal court also:

• approved Judge Executive Wil Cannon to sign a property lease with Gary Logsdon for the use of the his property at the countywide cleanup event
• approved for local disc golf group to build pavilion at Chalybeate Park
• approved for the Water District to transfer a portion of sewage infrastructure to Caveland Environmental Authority
• acknowledged Big Reedy Watershed Conservancy district budget for fiscal year
• approved Elmore Lawn Service to mow courthouse complex and Sheriff's office for $70 per mowing

Finally, Judge Wil Cannon updated the court on the status of the Lock #6 and Dam property. He said KY Fish & Wildlife have a surplus of funds after the project has been completed and has asked the county on what they'd like to see the money spent at the property. 

Cannon said he asked for two picnic shelters, trash cans, fencing around the grassy areas, and possibly a bike rack for trail riders in the area. He said there is already a ramp for paddle craft. 

He said KY F&W plans on leasing the entire property to the county at no cost and the county will maintain the property. 
​
The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2018 at 9am.