Fiscal Court Votes to Allocate Up To $30K In ARPA Funds to Both Animal Shelter Architect and Each Fire Department

Tourism Will Place New Welcome Signs Throughout County

Madison Doyle, story and photo:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court was held last night, July 25, 2022 in the upstairs room of the courthouse. The meeting was called to order by Judge Executive Wil Canon with the pledge of allegiance. Several county department heads gave updated reports on their department since the last meeting, and multiple items were discussed.

The court voted to allocate up to $30,000 plus a 1.75% administrative fee of ARPA funding for the architectural design for an animal shelter. The amount was suggested by Judge Executive Wil Cannon, who said he "has no idea" how much an architectural design costs, so the phrase "up to" comes into play so that there is enough room to make sure there is enough money for everything needed. "If you take a look around at some of other counties animal shelters being built, they didn't go about it exactly right and they are having to go through a big mess," Judge Cannon said. "I don't want us to go through a big mess, I want to make sure we do it right and we have enough to do what is needed." The motion was made by Magistrate Ed Rich and seconded by Johnny Brooks. The vote was unanimous.

The court also voted to allocate up to $30,000 of ARPA funding plus the 1.75% administrative fee to each county fire department for new equipment. Terry Massey, Emergency Management Director, said "I'm speaking up for my guys here," as he pointed to a few firefighters in attendance. "They really need this gear in order to do their jobs correctly and safely."

Treasurer Tammi Willhite noted that it would not be as simple as cutting a $30K check to each department; rather, each fire department will be required to submit a list of requested equipment and the cost of each. They may be approved up to $30K in funding. The money must be earmarked for specific purposes prior to the allocation. This is a stark contrast to the first suggestion of approving $5,000 for each fire department when allocating ARPA funds was first discussed in February.

The motion was made by Mark Meeks, and seconded by Ed Rich. The vote for this was also unanimous.

One of the brand new "Welcome to Edmonson County" signs.

Vanessa Ulm, Edmonson County Tourism Director, reported that Moutardier Marina was closed until further notice due to storm damage. She also reported that all of the current 'Welcome to Edmonson County' signs will be replaced with new ones, and they will be in seven different locations on the county line.

Judge Cannon also suggested that the county property tax rates decrease to from 13.8 to 13.7 cents per $100 of assessed value. The rate will be set upon final vote and reading at a future meeting.

The court also voted to approve or acknowledge:

• Acknowledge Dog Control June CAD Report.
• Acknowledge BGWC June Shelter Directors Report.
• Approve Arnold Consulting Engineering Services, Inc. Standard Form of Agreement regarding Bald Knob Road Project.
• Approve to deem the following items from Sheriff’s Office as Surplus:

1. Point Blank Guardian Plate Carrier
2. Galls Brand custom fitted vest
3. Bianchi Duty Belt
4. KSA 5 point star badge- A, Meredith

• Approve purchase of Badge Pass Printer
• Acknowledge Edmonson County Conservation District FY22 Financial Report.
• Acknowledge Big Reedy Watershed FY22 Financial Report.
• Acknowledge Edmonson County Conservation District FY22 Annual Report.

The next fiscal court meeting will be held Monday, August 8th, 2022 at 9 am.