The New Judicial Center Clarified in November Fiscal Court Meeting

The OC Fiscal Court meeting was called to order by County Judge Executive Zeke Little.  All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.  A short prayer was offered.  A motion was made and carried to approve the reading of the minutes from the previous meeting.  Linda Thomas, Secretary, gave the monthly Treasurer's Report.  The balance is according to the bank but the bills still have to be paid out of the accounts.  The Sheriff's Fee has a cash balance of $3,622.61, the Storage Fee has a cash balance of $9,623.50 and the Opioid Settlement has a cash balance of 92,105.95.  The EKYSAFE Fund has a cash balance of $348,760.71, the Bank Payroll has a cash balance of $11,140.26 and the General Fund has a cash balance of $253,036.64.  The Road Fund has a cash balance of $2,030,103.51, the Jail Fund has a cash balance of $1,179.98 and the LGEA Fund has a cash balance of $1,116.15.  The Solid Waste und has a cash balance of $52,842.58, the Parks & Rec Fund has a cash balance of $1,010.80, the LGEDF Fund has a cash balance of $1,359.84 and the ARPA Fund has a cash balance of $8,220.20.   A motion was made and carried to approve the Treasurer's Report as it was given.

     Judge Little mentioned the Faith Hill Community Church.  He said someone  had asked him about the church twice because some of the people that were involved in the church years ago wanted it back.  The church went to the elders and the county acquired it from the last elder.  The only way we can give it back, is to give it to the elder that we got it from and he doesn't want it back.  Judge Little suggested that the county keep it and continue to try to get grants to work on it.  

     We received a high bid for LED lights in the Clerk's Office, PVA Office and the Judge's Office.  Judge Little suggested that when the court bids out to do the facial of the courthouse, we will also include bids for the lights.  The court agreed to table this discussion until the next meeting.

     Judge Little suggested to the court that at the beginning of the year, full responsibility be given to the Sheriff's Office for their billing, payroll, etc.  We will be responsible for Teresa's salary for the first year and Tara's for the first six months.  They will be responsible for paying all of their own bills.  A motion was made and carried to approve giving the Sheriff's office back to them.

     Judge Little said that he would also like to give the Court Clerk's office billing, payroll, etc back to Austin Bowling, County Court Clerk.  They would be responsible for their own money and would present a budget to the fiscal court each year as the sheriff's office will.  A motion was made and carried to approve the Court Clerk taking full control of her office.  This will take effect on January 1, 2025 for the sheriff's office and the court clerk.

     Judge Little said that he would like to get the facial metal on the courthouse bid out while they have the money.  If we have rotten spots, we need to get that replaced as well.  He went on to say that they could also include the LED lights.  

     The Fiscal Court received a  quote on the insurance from KACO Health Insurance.  We just need to get it approved.  A motion was made and carried to approve the insurance quote given.  

     Judge Little met with the state about the Sturgeon Creek Bridge.  They have done all of the studies.  It will be at the ten (10) year floodplain level (the highest point).  There is nothing down there that it can hurt if it does get up.  We don't have to pay anything, so we won't be involved.  We don't have to bid anything out – they are doing it.  The state pays them and we reimburse the state with the money that Senator Stivers gave us.  

     Road Foreman Willard Thomas told the Court that they are caught up on their work and they need to find them some work.  Most of the roads in Owsley County are in really good shape. They have been working on potholes and mowing.  Now they are going to start on ditches.

     Judge Little told the Court that he had been asked to contribute to FOCUS.  The FOCUS group mainly works with the Industrial Committee.  Magistrate Jason Reed said that he didn't feel that the county should be responsible for the Industrial Committee when we only have one seat and they are their own organization.  The other magistrates agreed.  A motion was made and carried to approve not paying money to the FOCUS group.  

     “Solid Waste is going good.  If the garbage men miss your garbage (and you are paying on your bill), just call and we will come back out and get your garbage,” said Linda Thomas.  “We also have the 96 gallon Herbies ordered.  If you would like one, get in touch with the judge's office (606-593-6202).  You will be charged what the county pays for them.”  She went on to say that if you have NOT updated your address with the county, PLEASE UPDATE with us so that we don't keep getting your bills back.  If you are not paying on your bill, please call me and get this taken care of.”  If you owe a bill and you are trying to pay it – we will work with you.  If you do not pay then you will not be getting your trash picked up. 

     A motion was made and carried to approve doing Transfers as needed.  A motion was made and carried to approve paying all  legally incurred bills, providing money is available.

     Judge Little told the court that the Owsley County HUB is open in the old Kendall Robinson building across the street from the courthouse.  They are liking it in this location so far.  Judge Little went on to say that he would like to thank Donna Shouse and Tammy Shouse and everyone that had a hand in the little Halloween event.  Everyone said this was the best one ever.  There were over 600 children that came through.  All the food trucks said they made money and would be back.  They are now working on the Christmas Parade event.  The Parade will be on December 13th at 5:30 p.m. and the Tree Lighting will be at the Charles Long House on December 7th.

     Jerry McIntosh, Owsley County Emergency Manager, said that he wanted to mention the Judicial Center.  “A lot of people are confused about the Judicial Center.  The courthouse is still the courthouse.  Only the court personnel will be moving into the Judicial Center.  This center will have a place for lawyers to meet with clients, have a judge’s chambers and court rooms.  Phyllis Cornett's office would be in the Judicial Center.  The Sheriff, PVA, Court Clerk and County Judge Executive's office will continue to be in the courthouse.

     A motion was made and carried to adjourn the meeting for November.