Budgets and Bills
Committee chairman Ron Underwood presented a list of stage rules to the court. Photo by PJ Martin
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
The Metcalfe County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Thursday, June 13th with all parties in attendance.
The magistrates approved the agenda and the minutes of the May 23 meeting as they were written.
The second reading of the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget was approved unanimously.
Bids
The bids for the maintenance and janitorial services were opened at the last meeting and after being considered by the magistrates, the bids were awarded.
The maintenance of the Judicial Center was awarded to Chris Reece HVAC LLC for $1,980 per month or $23,760 for the year.
The janitorial services for the Judicial Center and the Government Center were awarded to Wisdom Cleaning Service for a total of $4,000 per month. The cost of cleaning the Judicial Center is $2,500 per month and the Government Center is $1,500 per month.
Stage Project
Stage Committee Chairman Ron Underwood presented the court with a draft of the rules for the Metcalfe County Courthouse Stage (MCCSC). The stage will be owned and maintained by the fiscal court, but managed by a 7-person committee consisting of 2 fiscal court appointees, 2 city appointees, 2 chamber members, and 1 citizen chosen by the other members. The committee must meet no less than quarterly.
The scheduling of the stage will be done by the Chamber of Commerce and reservations must be made by a resident of Metcalfe County. The reserving parties must clean the area after the event, report any damages, and are responsible for any damages. The rules were approved unanimously.
Jeremy Ferguson addressed the court about needed improvements for Golden Years Daycare. Photo by PJ Martin
Golden Years Proposal
Jeremy Ferguson and several of the staff at Golden Years Daycare were in attendance for the presentation of proposed improvements to the daycare building plus the school which also occupies the building. Ferguson stated, “There have been no improvement in the past nine years.”
Ferguson presented an estimate from Green Leaf Nursery to pressure wash the entire building and install landscaping for $8,000. Also presented was an estimate from Southern Paint Co. to paint the exterior of the entire building and paint the interior of the daycare for $27,960.
A second estimate was presented from Southern Steam for painting the entire building including materials and labor for $11,000. The cost to paint the interior of the daycare was quoted at $19,250. Replacing a front metal door was quoted at $550 for labor plus the cost of the door and replacing flooring in 4 bathrooms and an office for $1,000 labor and an estimated $2,667.87 materials.
The total cost estimated for all the work listed on the second quote totaled over $39,000.
Magistrate Daniel Bragg asked, “What is the rent?” to which someone replied $1,200 a month and Bragg commented that the rent might need to be increased in order to pay for all that work.
The subject was tabled until the next meeting to allow research into the actual improvements needed and the cost.
Handbook Changes
The handbook policies can be revised once a year and Treasurer Page Edwards brought the needed changes to the attention of the magistrates for discussion. Any changes made would take effect on July 1, 2024, with the new fiscal year.
As previously discussed, the vacation, sick days, and comp time accrual, retention, approvals, and usage were mentioned. The item was put on hold until the next meeting giving the magistrates time to look over the current handbook and note any changes needed.
Other items
Stevie Hayes presented a petition signed by 48 people who want the road name Woods Road changed back to its original name of Wood Road. With no objections presented the change was approved unanimously.
Lorrie Gilpin reminded everyone that June 17th is open enrollment day for employee insurance.
The financial, budget, and claims were approved.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024.
