Fiscal Court: Salt Bin Storage Problems Could Cost $25K

Darren Doyle, story and photo
In addition to the little league discussion on the Monday, June 22nd Fiscal Court meeting, county officials also heard from County Road Foreman Ray Page as he explained problems with the county's road salt bin.

Page said the storage unit, which was built in 1972, was constructed on the lowest point of the property, which causes water to infiltrate the bin, which then leads to salt leeching into the ground, then into the ecosystem. Page said the EPA has informed the department that the bins will either have to be repaired or rebuilt, and at an estimated cost of $25,000, the county faces a difficult decision.

Judge Cannon discussed possibilities of maybe postponing any improvements until next year, with hopes of a better budget situation, but Page said fines from the EPA could exceed the projected cost of improvements that would probably need to be made asap. Page also explained many improvements and alterations the bin has undergone over the years, but the structure over 40 years old that is exposed to not only weather, but also salt has certainly seen its better days. 

Cannon said he would research the matter further and discuss with Foreman Page to look at every option available to the county.

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Members of Fiscal Court discuss issues at the Monday, June 22nd meeting.

The court also:

• Took no action on Hellervik Oil Technologies' request for industrial bonds on the Rocky Hill Gas Plant, as nothing has changed since last meeting.
• Approved a 35MPH Speed limit for Oak Grove Church Road.
  
• Agreed to hire Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons as a part-time tax collector for Tourism and Room & Rec fees. Judge Cannon said the county is forfeiting thousands of tax dollars each year due to lack of enforcement of the fees. Clemmons would work 10-20hrs per week. She is also the current Chamber of Commerce Director.
• Heard from Judge Cannon on the decision to leave Bluegrass Family Insurance for county employees in order to switch to Anthem/Blue Cross, Blue Shield. Cannon said the county now offers similar packages to employees for much less expense. He they have doubled the amount the county employees that now have insurance.
• Heard from Sheriff Doyle about an upcoming "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign set to run July 1 - September 30th. He said the sheriff's office has received a state grant for the overtime deputies will work during that period. The campaign will crack down even more on drunk and impaired driving.