Fiscal Court Hears From Tourism About Legislative Issues

 

 

By Lynn Bledsoe

Gimlet Editor

 

Edmonson County Fiscal Court held its regular meeting on Feb. 24, 2025. Magistrate Mark Meeks was absent. In bills to be paid a correction from the last Fiscal Court meeting was needed. First, the payment to Hart Co Jail read $6,885 but should have been $16,885 also Parks and Rec. lights cost of $10,000 was covered by a donation and not from the regular budget.  All transfers were approved.

Joe Montgomery gave the Road Report. Montgomery said some tiles have been installed. The Road Department has been kept busy with issues from the rain and snow recently. He said he only had two calls about driveways being washed out and he was happy with that.

The EM Director report given by Terry Massey included 11 runs for the last two weeks.

In the Sheriff Report, Sheriff James Vincent commended the county road and state road departments for the work they have put in.

Jailer Report with Todd Vincent stated there are 13 inmates in Hart County Jail.

County Attorney, Adam Turner reported he had been working with Hart County on an inter-local agreement.

County Clerk, Kevin Alexander reported he was going to be spending time in Frankfort. He reminded everyone that March is Ag tag month, and the money collected stays local.

The Parks & Rec report was given by Cody Stewart. Stewart said Little League Basketball is almost over. The lights donated by the Recreational Group are for Field 1 at HWY 70 park.

In Committee Reports Vanessa Ulm reported the movie Guns of Redemption will hold a free showing on March 3 at Glasgow Marquis Theaters. Most of the filming was at Guntown Mountain but many cast and crew stayed in Edmonson County. The actors in the movie include Shawn Austin (Lord of the Rings), Casper Van Deim (Starship Troopers), and Jeff Fahey (True Blood). Ulm also brought to attention several legislative pieces that can affect Tourism and local government. Senate Bill 1 proposes that the current Kentucky Film Industry Office uses partial funding from the 1% statewide transient room tax. House Bill 490 dictates terms and changes by local government under which Air BnB would agree to pay local transient room taxes, a legal obligation they have had and refused to meet since January 1, 2023. This bill does not state a provision for payment of back taxes owed. That refusal has resulted in the current ongoing lawsuit filed by KTIA and KLC. Senate Bill 110 could limit local governments to place restrictions on local short-term rentals. House Bill 173 could prohibit local governments from having a list of short-term rentals. The more each county has the more money they can receive, and this can also restrict safety limits.

In new business the Fiscal Court approved the following: Edmonson County Conservation District Budget Fiscal Year 2026, Edmonson County Conservation District Plan of Operations Fiscal Year 2026, Resolution EC25-07, Animal Shelter Agreement changes were made for after-hours payment of $35 per hour, and February Cash Transfers. Edmonson County entered into an inter-local agreement, EC25-08, with Hart County for Hart County to maintain upkeep on Woodland Rd. This road passes between the two counties three times.

The Fiscal Court approved the County Clerk’s 2025 Revenue Supplement fund pending final audit.

Edmonson County Library Director Alicia Edwards addressed the Fiscal Court about the proposed renovations to the library building.  Edwards presented the plans for viewing the proposed child safe space. She asked for approval and support from the Fiscal Court, which they gave.

 

 

In the Judge’s updates, Scott Waste District Manager Scott Upperton and route manager Sam England asked if anyone had any questions for them due to issues of being late for pick-up services because of the weather.

Judge Exec. Lindsey spoke about going to the Legislation date in Frankfort recently. Judge Exec. Lindsey also spoke with landowners on Sunfish Roundhill Road.  Edmonson County will be hosting the Association of Tennessee Valley Governments on March 5 at Mammoth Cave National Park. People from eight states will be present as this is a part of the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Fiscal Court was then adjourned.

The next Fiscal Court Meeting will be on March 10, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.