Fiscal Court Votes To Keep 2019 Property Tax Rate Same

Darren Doyle, story:​
The Edmonson County Fiscal Court voted in favor of keeping the 2019 county property tax rate the same as last year's, which is a 13.9% rate per $100 in value. This is the first step of several in setting the annual rates for the county.

There will now be an ordinance drafted with the rate and then there will be two separate readings for the ordinance. Once the second reading passes, there will be a special meeting held with public discussion welcomed before becoming official at a final vote. 

Other tax rates normally passed at the same time were not discussed today; however, Judge Wil Cannon said those rates would be discussed at the next meeting, which include: Tangible Property tax, Inventory tax, Motor Vehicle tax, Water Craft tax and Aircraft tax rates.

The court also acknowledged the local Health Department tax ordinance, which also remained the same as last year, at a rate of 2.25 cents per $100 of assessed value. 

Various county offices gave updated reports during today's meeting:

Road Report: County Road Foreman Greg Carroll reported that road crews had installed several road tiles throughout the county and multiple paving projects had been completed. Several more paving projects are still scheduled for completion before the end of the season. 

Jailer Report: County Jailer Hank Vincent reported 17 county inmates currently housed at Hart County Jail.

Emergency Management Director Terry Massey reported two structure fires for local fire departments and several car accidents since the last fiscal court meeting, one of which that resulted in a fatality.

Sheriff Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle reported a busy three-weeks since the last court meeting that has resulted in several drug arrests, another search warrant that could result in several more arrests, and he also discussed the fatal accident from last week. The Sheriff's Office responded to the scene of the accident but due to the short staffing that the Sheriff's Office currently faces, Doyle said he requested help from KSP, who took over the investigation.

Doyle also mentioned the grant received by the Edmonson Count School System to provide a part-time school resource officer in other schools. The Sheriff's Office will pay overtime for the additional duties but will be reimbursed by the school through the grant. Doyle also reported on his recent meeting in Louisville as a member of the KY Law Enforcement Council.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported on the new software system in his office used for taking care of boating registration. He encouraged boat owners and those that have sold boats in the past to make sure the registration and ownership is officially transferred when selling, as it's the seller's responsibility to ensure it is out of the seller's name and over to the new owner.

​Alexander also noted that delinquent tax information will be published soon.

Parks and Rec Report: Judge Executive Wil Cannon read a written report submitted by Parks and Rec Program Director John Kiernan. The report said that the baseball board is funding a shelter between fields one and two that will help protect from foul balls, and that field 3 was being reworked to accommodate the Babe Ruth League. The report also discussed the progress of the local youth soccer program, not with 148 participants. A new soccer field is currently being built at the Chalybeate park. The report also recognized volunteers Kevin Mills and Carl Mills for donating labor for a drainage ditch at Chalybeate while Whayne Supply donated the equipment for the project.

Tourism/Chamber Report: Director Rhonda Clemmons announced a chamber event for August 17th at noon that will commemorate Alford's Pharmacy and Drive Thru's 10 year anniversary. She also reported that volunteers were ready for the county's booth at the upcoming State Fair in Louisville. She concluded her report by announcing the groundbreaking on August 15th at 2pm in Hart County for the SOKY Film Commission's new sound studio facility that will be used for indoor filming. 

​The court also discussed the latest on Marvin Way and Gail Court, located in the Richland Subdivision on HWY 743 (New Grove Rd). Both roads have requested to be added to county's road system; however, Judge Cannon reported several issues where the roads don't currently meet the county's requirements. Cannon asked Magistrate Corey VanMeter to contact the roads' current owners for discussion.

Sheriff Shane Doyle also asked magistrates to approve the purchase of a new patrol vehicle for his office to replace one that was wrecked earlier in the year. Insurance covered the costs of the former vehicle, and while the money is in the Sheriff's budget, approval is still required from magistrates to make the purchase. A brief discussion was held on the proper outlet from where the purchase can be made, as it must come from a qualified state contractor. Judge Cannon recommended making the purchase, which will actually be a vehicle lease, through KACO, a company that specializes in working with KY counties for legislative and financial services. Magistrates spoke in favor of the purchase once the proper steps are taken. The item is to be discussed again and voted upon at the next meeting.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2019 at 9am.
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