Fiscal Court Supports Chamber’s Fairground Update
Cody Henderson addresses Fiscal Court. PHOTO | Lynn Bledsoe
Lynn Bledsoe
Jobe Publishing, Inc.
On May 27, 2025, the Butler County Fiscal Court held its regular meeting.
Chamber of Commerce, Cody Henderson appealed to the Fiscal Court for more money to help complete the updates to the Butler County Fairgrounds. Henderson stated the plans are to install electric hookups that can be removed when not in use. After all the grant monies had been approved and community members donations of time, money, and equipment were used they were still short $22,000. After a lengthy discussion, Dillion Bryant of the 5th District used money in his budget to give $20,000. Then Allen Smith gave the remaining $2,000 from the Rochester District budget in order for the fairgrounds to be completed.
The Fiscal Court went into a closed session after which the Fiscal Court approved to replace Nancy Cardwell with Emily Tyree effective 5/27/25 at the same pay rate. The Fiscal Court also agreed to interview candidates for the Rochester Ferry operator’s position.
The Fiscal Court then discussed the Senior Center lease agreement. Community Action will no longer be involved and BRADD will be taking over the Senior Center duties. The Fiscal Court approved for Judge Exec. Flener to sign the contract with BRADD, citing the county’s in-kind contribution listed in the contract.
Magistrates Allen Smith and Kevin Phelps. PHOTO | Lynn Bledsoe
The equipment list for the county was discussed to see where cuts could be made and to double-check that everything was properly insured. After going through the list, the Fiscal Court had lots of questions about equipment and decided to table the issue until the next meeting.
The County’s health reimbursement plan was approved.
The Fiscal Court approved to pay for the Rochester Stream flow Station water gauge for $6,000 once the job is completed to the satisfaction of the Court.
The issue of the Solar Ordinance was tabled until the next meeting.
The Fiscal Court approved the following: pay for a survey of Rochester property in the amount of $1650, to be paid on completion, to advertise for the 2nd reading of the 25-26 budget, transfer $35,000 from the General fund to the Jail fund, and to pay all other bills and transfers.
In the Magistrates updates, David Whittinghill, from 4th District, gave $237.38 towards the Rochester Fireworks show.
The meeting was then adjourned.
