Repairs, Roads, and a Resolution
Magistrate Daniel Bragg explained the option to solve the issue with Fire House Lane. Photo by PJ Martin
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
The Metcalfe County Fiscal Court met in a regular session on Thursday, September 26th with all magistrates present.
The agenda was adopted with a motion by Magistrate Ronnie Miller and Daniel Bragg and the minutes from the September 12th meeting were approved with motions being made by Magistrates Kevin Crane and Harvey Hawkins.
The first item on the agenda was the discussion of the Billy London Road. Judge/Executive Larry Wilson explained, “Mr. Avery is here, Sean Avery, and he and I discussed the matter, and since it’s in litigation and we couldn’t comment on it, and we also have a party here, another party here, and he’s in litigation, we decided at this time that he would not address the court today, the fiscal court, but at a later time, he may come and has to be on the agenda again.”
Next was the discussion of Fire House Lane in Summer Shade in Bragg’s district. Viewing the photo on the large screen in the room, Bragg explained the location of the road. “We were going to just concrete on top of that (pointing to a rock section), so we wouldn’t have these issues anymore. He (Steve Whitley) would prefer to give us a different right-a-way… if we change it, it will come off of Nobob Road, and it’s just kind of a straight shot off of Nobob Road through his property pointing out the new route.”
County Attorney Sharon Howard noted that the property owner was responsible for getting the roadbed created and then deeding it over to the county. Bragg agreed to talk to Whitley and let him know what needed to be done and also talk to the other property owners on the road.
Next was a discussion about Golden Years lease and building improvements. Judge Wilson has been working with business owner Jerry Ferguson on a new lease for the property. The rent increase to $1,500 a month will need to go into effect on January 1, 2025. Ferguson and his son have already paid the rent for the rest of the year and Wilson agreed to that date.
“At the first of the year, they have the option to sign the lease or buy it (building). I’ve talked to an appraiser who’s going to work on it…the appraiser said, get a survey,” explained Wilson.
Someone asked about the Head Start Program that is located in the building and Wilson said that the Fergusons want to keep it there. It’s a Federal Program. It was noted that if they buy the whole building it should be written in the contract that the Head Start Program stays in the building.
Wilson added that the owners had taken it upon themselves to get the building painted and had brought a $7,000 bill to the fiscal court expecting it to be paid. In an earlier fiscal court meeting the Magistrates had agreed that the county would do the painting and other work on the building.
Bragg noted that they should look at the old contract and see what was stipulated. It was agreed upon to table the issue until the next meeting.
Resolution #24-0926 for the support of the proposed Barren County Sportsplex Project was discussed. No money is involved, but the purpose is to gain support from nearby counties. Fiscal Court Clerk / Treasurer Page Edwards explained, “Sometimes in these grants, you have to show that you have surrounding support from different areas.”
After a bit of discussion, Bragg said, “I don’t want to be seen as someone that’s against Barren County, because I’m not. And I just, I think you want me to lend my support. I need to know, know a little bit about it…”
The motion to approve the Resolution was made by Miller and seconded by Crain. The motion was approved 3 – 0 with Bragg abstaining from the vote.
Financials
Edwards explained that the one budget transfer was to cover the KACo insurance increase of $38,000. The transfer was approved.
The claims included the payment of insurance to KACo of $123,204, a claim of $20,000 for a dump truck for the road dept, and a payment of $13,950 for housing prisoners at the Barren Co. Jail. The claims were approved.
Other Business
The Recycling Center and Road Department reports were available for questions.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 10th, 2024, at 9 a.m. which is during fall break.
