Virtual Fiscal Court Meeting: County Will See Reduced Funds For Roads But Receives Grant For New Courthouse Parking Lot

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met today via virtual meeting for the second consecutive time. Today's agenda was a light one, much like the previous meeting's, as the court discussed only the necessary business for the county at this time.

All magistrates were present either via video conference or telephone, minus District 3, who has yet to fill the vacant position after the death of Clark Wood. The office will be appointed by the Governor's office, and there has been no word on when that will take place.

Judge Executive Wil Cannon explained to magistrates that county road funding will decrease overall due to lower gas taxes, statewide. The county will see nearly a $150K decrease in funding for county road maintenance and repair, which includes both state flex funding and county road aid.

Judge Cannon also announced a state grant that will allow the county to purchase a piece of property for parking on the square, which will become part of courthouse property. Cannon and magistrates agreed that parking was extremely limited in the area, especially during special events. The grant in the amount of $70,800, which was secured by the help of Representative Michael Meredith, will allow for the purchase of the property, located on Washington Street across from Limestone Bank, and for the excavation, paving, and striping of the lot, pending the county's contribution of $20,000 toward the project.

We asked Rep. Meredith for comments and he later issued the following statement:

“I noticed the need for additional parking around the courthouse on court days and when other events were happening on the square for quite some time," he said. " I discussed the issue with Judge Cannon early this year and working with his office, I submitted a formal request in the Judicial Branch budget for $70,000 to purchase and improve a lot near the courthouse to alleviate the parking issues.  I’m proud that we were able to appropriate this funding in the budget and would like to thank House Speaker David Osborne as well as Appropriations and Revenue Chairman Steven Rudy and Judicial budget subcommittee chairman Jason Nemes for prioritizing my request.”

The court also:

• Acknowledged BGWC March Shelter Directors Report.
• Acknowledged March Dog Control CAD/Duty Status Report.
• Approved AOC Court Facilities Local Government Reimbursement Form for Edmonson County Annex, FY20/21.
• Approved AOC Court Facilities Local Government Reimbursement Form for Edmonson County Courthouse, FY20/21.
• Approved IPAWS Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Application.

The next Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2020 and will also be a virtual video/audio meeting at 9AM. A few days prior, the Edmonson Voice will publish a notice for the meeting with the proper links to join.