Tourism and Courthouse Improvements are Main Discussions for Fiscal Court

 

 

Lynn Bledsoe

Gimlet Managing Editor

 

The Fiscal Court meeting began with the approval of the Sept. 10 2026 Tax Hearing minutes was approved.

The Road Report was given by Joe Joe Montgomery. Montgomery said mowers were out on their final round of the season. Salters and Spreaders have been installed on the road trucks for the upcoming season.

Emergency Management director reported 50 runs in the last 3 weeks.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported the delinquent tax bill sale was going to be held the next day and that about a third of the bills were held in and around the Cove Hollow Bay. 17 companies are expected to be on site.

Cody Stewart reported for Parks and Rec. all the LED lighting is finished up. Little League soccer is starting and will be held Monday, Thursday, and Saturday in October.

The Fiscal Court approved the go ahead for the Community Center/Courthouse update project. In July of 2023 the Fiscal Court awarded $430,000 to then PEP to update the exterior of the courthouse and center. Close to $20,000 has been spent in getting renderings of what it could look like and blue prints so far. Magistrate TJ Massey said the estimated cost now is $320,000 and the Fiscal Court approved to move forward with the project.

Vanessa Ulm gave the Tourism report. 10 Way Finder signs are being worked on for the county. Each sign will have 1 to 3 attractions on the signs. A plan is being worked on for a maintenance plan on the signs that become damaged. Tourism is paying for the signs. Moutardier Marina has took over the Moutardier camp grounds from the Army Corp of Engineers. A lot of rework and upgrades are in the plans, with electrical, dog parks, boat ramps, and a updated amphitheater. Ulm noted that aesthetics are a important part tourism. She encouraged the county officials and citizen to be proud of the area and take pride in making things look nicer, whether it is planting flowers, or pulling weeds. A few events coming up are the knife and arm show and the Fancy Jordan fall festival.

Barbee Lane and the Cox road area were discussed as to road right of ways and how far they go into private properties for the road to be widened. The standard right of way is 60 foot, but the county will try to not go that wide if possible. Montgomery also stated there will also be several road tiles installed.

 

 

The Fiscal Court acknowledged the following; Public Health District 2026 tax rate, Public library 2026 tax rate, Big Reedy Creek Watershed Conservancy District Annual Financial Fiscal Year 2026 report, Big Reedy Creek Watershed Conservancy District 2026 tax rate,  Edmonson County Board of Education 2026 tax rate, Edmonson County Ambulance District 2026 tax rate, BGWC August Shelter Directors report, and Dog Control August CAD report.

The Edmonson Fiscal Court approved the following; September Cash transfers, Extension Board 2026 tax rates, Treasurer’s August monthly settlement report, the Jailer’s Sally port fence addition as recommended by the  Department of the Office of the Courts, to hire Jason Sowders and Michael Suprada as full time road employees, and to move Fiscal Court date of October 12, 2026 to October 13, 2026 due to a holiday.

The Fiscal Court approved the following pending final audit; Sheriff’s August Monthly Excess Fee report, Sheriff’s August Oil Mineral tax monthly report, Sheriff’s 2025 Annual Settlement report, County Clerk’s August MVAV Collection report, County Clerk’s August Deed Transfer Tax report, County Clerk’s August Delinquent Tax Collection report, and County Clerk’s August Excess Fees report.

The next Fiscal Court date will be September 28, 2026 at 4:00pm.