2025 Budgets
County Attorney Sharon Howard and Magistrate Kevin Crain reviewing the claims listing. Photo by PJ Martin
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
The Metcalfe County Fiscal Court met in a special called meeting on Monday, December 23rd, with three magistrates present, Magistrate Harvey Hawkins was absent.
The agenda was adopted and the minutes from the December 12, 2024, meeting were approved after motions were made by Magistrates Daniel Bragg and Kevin Crain.
Metcalfe County Clerk Shannon Fields addressed the court for approval of her office’s CY25 Budget of $2,403,800. After a motion by Magistrates Crain and Bragg, the budget was approved. Also approved was the Maximum Order on Salaries for the clerk’s deputies.
Next, Office Manager Lynn Lunz addressed the court for approval of the Metcalfe County Sheriff’s Office CY25 Budget of $830,750. Magistrate Ronnie Miller asked how much the ABC brought in. Lunz replied, “It’s under ABC, $100,000, but we’re hoping that it will increase. We have the new store that’s coming in.”
After a motion was made by Bragg and seconded by Crain the motion passed. Also approved was the Maximum Order on Salaries for the sheriff’s deputies.
Lunz stated, “There won’t be anything in your folder. Mark Linkous is still working on our bond for that, but we’re allowed to request advancement every year for a percentage of our total income for the year before. So, this year, it’ll be at $65,000.”
The motion was made by Bragg to allow them to request their advancement, seconded by Miller, and approved by all.
Each year the fiscal court must reapprove the Fire Department Affiliation Agreement. The purpose of the order is to establish responsibilities and the chain of command between the local government, DES, and the Fire and Rescue Squad. A motion was made by Crain to accept the agreement and seconded by Bragg. The motion passed.
The budget transfers were approved followed by the claims. The claims included payment of $14,310 to the Barren County Treasurer for the use of Barren County Jail to house Metcalfe prisoners in November.
Also, included in claims was the December payment to the Barren-Metcalfe Ambulance Service of $29,748.94.
Reports from the Road Department, Recycling Center, and DES were included for reference/questions.
Being a special called meeting, unless on the agenda, no other business could be brought before the court.
The next regular meeting will be Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the fiscal courtroom.
