Vehicle Bids Opened
Coroner Lee Ann Caffee-Jones addressed the court about the future salary of the coroner’s position. Photo | PJ Martin
By PJ Martin
Editor, The Herald-News
The Metcalfe County fiscal court held a special-called meeting on Tuesday, April 14, with the following people in attendance: Judge/Executive Larry Wilson, Treasurer/Fiscal Court Clerk Page Edwards, Magistrates Ronnie Miller, Daniel Bragg, Harvey Hawkins, and Kevin Crain, and County Attorney Sharon Howard.
Others in attendance were Road Supervisor Chris Compton, Jailer Randall Shive, Coroner LeeAnn Caffee-Jones, EMS Director Adam Bennett, Finance Officer Connie Taylor, Occupational Tax/ABC Administrator Lorrie Gilpin, and PJ Martin from The Herald-News.
Judge Wilson declared a quorum present, and the agenda was adopted with motions by Miller and Bragg. This was followed by approval of the minutes of the March 26, 2026, regular meeting, after motions made by Bragg and Hawkins.
Next, the two sealed bids received for a truck were opened by Judge Wilson. The first was from Ascendance Truck Centers in Bowling Green. The quote for a 2024 truck was $84,267, and the dump body was quoted at $12,015 for a total of $96,282.
The second bid was from Kenworth in Bowling Green. The quote was a total of $135,818 for a truck.
Edwards pointed out, “You don’t have to do anything today. You can look at them next time.”
The bids will be looked at more closely, and a decision will be made at the next meeting.
The Metcalfe County Extension District Board provided a copy of its fiscal year 2026-2027 budget to the court for acknowledgement.
Judge Wilson reappointed Kim Smith and Philip Feece to the Metcalfe County Library Board. Both of their terms were ending, and both requested to continue serving on the board.
Next, current Coroner Lee Ann Caffee-Jones was present to discuss the future salary of the coroner position. Jones pointed out that being a coroner is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job, and you can receive a call at any time. You are seeing families at their worst, and that demands respect, dignity, and compassion. She stated, “This office deserves better,” referring to the salary.
Judge Wilson advised the magistrates that this is something that can be looked at during the upcoming budget workshop.
Jailer Randall Shive addressed the court and requested that a department vehicle be replaced. Photo | PJ Martin
Jailer Randall Shive then addressed the court, asking that one of the jailer’s vehicles be replaced. “If we just replace this one, we’re good for 4-5 more years.”
Shive had checked with the Don Franklin dealership and found a 2025 Durango for $39,585. The cage and equipment could be installed at a different business, and that would put the cost at around $49,535. However, if they wait and the 2025 vehicle sells, the 2026 vehicles will cost around $43,000 according to the dealership.
Judge Wilson advised this would be another thing to look at in the budget workshop, but the purchase is needed now and would not require a bid process. “I can’t vote, but I feel like we should go ahead and get it.”
The motion to purchase a vehicle for the jailer was made by Crain, seconded by Hawkins, and approved.
The court went into a closed session to discuss litigation and returned a short time later. “No action was taken,” said Judge Wilson.
There was only one budget transfer for road materials, and it was approved. There were no interfund transfers.
The claims, which included the ambulance service payment of $37,988.11, were approved.
As usual, the DES, Recycling, and Road Department reports were included in the packets for review.
Other Business
Judge Wilson reported that the recycling group has begun trash pick-up on the roads.
There were no other items on the special-called agenda, and the meeting adjourned.
The Metcalfe County Extension District Board budget for FY 26-27. Photo | PJ Martin
