Fiscal Court Kicks Off Bicentennial Celebration
Photo by Tammi Wilhite – Fiscal Court, Judge Exec. Scott Lindsey, Magistrates- James Vincnet, Anthony Hennion, TJ Massey, Mark Meeks, Gary Bagshaw and Mickey Johnson.
By Lynn Bledsoe
Gimlet Editor
Edmonson County Fiscal Court held their monthly meeting on Jan. 13, 2025. Joel Montgomery gave the road report first. He thanked the road crews for working so well ahead of the snowstorm. He stated one of the small trucks was down again and might need to be replaced. The truck has had several repairs over the years and is about at the end of its life. Magistrate Mark Meeks asked if a snowplow could be useful on one of the smaller 3/4-ton trucks. Montgomery replied anything would help. Montgomery said most of the road departments problems were with turn arounds.
Emergency Manager Director Terry Massey stated for the last month 35 runs were made.
James Vincent gave the Sheriff’s report. Vincent said 4653 calls have been answered this year so far. Mead County Sheriff Windy contacted Sheriff James Vincent about a vehicle that he could purchase ($30,000) or he could purchase a drug dog and vehicle for ($40,000). Deputy Austin Meredith has volunteered to be trained to use the dog. Sheriff Vincent asked Fiscal Court to pay the $40,000 and let his department reimburse the court out of the Sheriff’s budget. The Fiscal Court approved the purchase of the 2021 Explorer and the K9 dog.
Jailer Todd Vincent reported that there are only 10 inmates in Hart County. In 2024 the Jailers Department did 759 transports, which was down from the previous year.
County Attorney Adam Turner reported that his office has been working on upcoming trials. Judge Exec. Lindsey said he and Turner had been working on the entertainment permits. There are currently 7 businesses that fall under the current KRS for the required permits.
Parks and Rec. Director Cody Stewart reported last week Little League Basketball was cancelled. He held a meeting with the Little League baseball/softball board. They want to use the leftover money to improve the fields. There will be a player and coaches’ clinic with Alex Jane Massey and Michael Meredith.
Tourism Director Vanessa Ulm gave her report. All reports regarding ARPA Funds have been completed and sent. Ulm is currently searching for grants to promote Edmonson County and Brownsville.
In new business Fiscal Court voted to reappoint Joel Montgomery as Road Supervisor for a two-year term. The Fiscal Court was informed that a new Dog Warden (Dylan Harvey) was hired.
Fiscal Court approved the following: Treasurer’s Dec. settlement report, Judge’s quarterly financial statement report, SIO maintenance 2025 park quotes for HWY 70 ball fields (3 fields $3935 last year and this year 4 fields for $3795), and SIO maintenance 2025 courthouse quotes.
The following were approved pending final audit, Sheriff’s Dec. monthly fees, property tax reports, and franchise report. Also, County Clerk’s Dec. MVAV tax collections, Dec. deed transfer tax, Dec. excess fee and Dec delinquent tax collection.
Fiscal Court acknowledged the Jailer’s quarterly report, County Clerk’s Dec. document storage fees, BGWC Nov. Shelter Director’s report, and Dog Control Dec. CAD report.
At the end of Fiscal Court Judge Executive Scott Lindsey read the proclamation celebrating the Bicentennial of Edmonson County’s on Jan 12. Lindsey also stated there will be events all year long to celebrate. The Fiscal Court approved the proclamation.
Rep Michael Meredith read the following from a poem called EDMONSON; “Of Warren, Grayson and of Hart the Legislature took that part that neither of them cared to own, these pieces were together were thrown. So, Edmonson, they say, was made, with little to it, save its shade, its woods and hills and clear cold streams and people with romantic dreams.” John a Logan -Former Edmonson County Attorney
Meredith said the county was officially declared a county on Feb. 1, 1825. The first County Court Day and first Circuit court day was held on May 9, 1825, at Robert Bryant’s tavern. Governor Desha appointed the Sheriff, Justices of the Piece and the first grand jury. 9 districts were created and Constables in those districts along with a County Clerk were chosen. On May 10 the Jailer, the County Attorney and Tax Surveyors were chosen. Brownsville was chosen as the county seat.
Court was adjourned and cake and ice cream was served.
