Another Possible Road Adoption
Tessa Stovall addressed the court about issues with her road, Copas Ridge. Photo | PJ Martin
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
The Metcalfe County fiscal court held its regular meeting on Thursday, July 24th, with all the magistrates in attendance.
The agenda was adopted after a motion by Magistrate Ronnie Miller and Kevin Crain. The minutes from the July 10th meeting were approved after a motion by Magistrates Daniel Bragg and Harvey Hawkins.
The second reading of Ordinance #25-0710 relating to street legal special purpose vehicles was up for approval after very little discussion. The motion to approve the ordinance was made by Bragg, seconded by Miller, and approved.
The court acknowledged the Metcalfe County Conservation District’s set tax rate for 2025 of 1.6% (0.016), the same as last year.
Since the leases for the three Sheriff’s vehicles, the jailer’s, and the EMS Director’s vehicle all expire in July, it was decided at the last meeting to purchase the five vehicles.
The price quoted by the lease company for purchase was $148,000.05, and Treasurer Page Edwards was given the task of speaking with KACo about a loan for the county.
“I’ve talked to KACo, as per your instructions of doing a $50,000 payment up front, and then they will finance the rest of it and do one-year payments,” said Edwards, adding, “Well, it’s right at 150 Yeah. So, 50,000 this year, roughly 50 the next year…And actually, the finance part will only be on about 100,000.”
Resolution No. 25-0724 allowing the loan with KACo was approved after a motion by Miller and Crain.
“Next would be a discussion on Copas Ridge,” said Judge Larry Wilson, inviting Tessa Stovall to the podium to speak.
Tessa explained that the road is extremely hard to drive on since several lots have been sold, and more people are driving on it. “So, we got everybody back there to finally pitch in once, then we just put down about six grand worth of work and gravel into the road.”
“So, everybody here (holding up a list of signatures) has agreed that they would be willing to accept the easement and everything, if the county could help us and take over that road as a county road,” said Tessa.
Road Supervisor Chris Compton stated, “It’s in pretty good shape, but it needs some ditches and needs a culvert.”
Miller pointed out, “I mean, by state law or rules and regulations that we have to go by, it’s gotta be a certain standard.”
Getting the easements for the road was mentioned, and County Attorney Sharon Howard replied, “Oh, definitely, but, but we need to see what they’ve got,” and asked Tessa, “But other than Mossy Oak, it’s all your family?”
Tessa answered, “Not now, because they pitched it out into different small sections. So, these signatures are the people that have bought those sections.” Referring to the list again.
Judge Wilson asked, “Could we get a motion to start the process going. Everything’s in order.”
The motion to begin the process of adopting the road was made by Miller, seconded by Hawkins, and approved.
The court then voted to go into a closed session at 9:16 a.m. and returned to open session at 9:42 a.m. with no action taken during closed session.
The Treasurer’s Annual Settlement for FY24/25 was approved, followed by the Quarterly Financial and June Financial statements.
There were no issues with the budget transfers and the claims report. All were approved with no problems.
The motion was then made to adjourn.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 14th, at 9 a.m. in the Fiscal Court room.
