Rescind My Vote

By PJ Martin

Editor

The Herald-News

 

The Metcalfe County Fiscal Court held its regular meeting on Thursday, February 12, with the following attendees: Judge/Executive Larry Wilson, Magistrates Ronnie Miller, Daniel Bragg, Harvey Hawkins, and Kevin Crain, County Attorney Sharon Howard, and Treasurer/Fiscal Court Clerk Page Edwards.

Also in attendance were Financial Officer Connie Taylor, Occupational Tax/ABC Admin. Lorrie Gilpin, Emergency Management Director Adam Bennett, Solid Waste Coordinator Kim Jandt, Road Supervisor Chris Compton, and Herald-News editor PJ Martin.

Judge Wilson declared a quorum present, and the agenda was adopted following motions by Bragg and Crain.

The minutes from the January 22 meeting were approved after motions by Hawkins and Bragg. When Judge Wilson asked for any discussion, Miller said, “Yeah! On the 5th paragraph down on the fireworks celebration…I’d like to rescind that motion.”

This was very unusual and caught most in attendance by surprise. Judge Wilson responded, “Why?”

Edwards explained, “The thing about it is they were needing to know because they have to pay upfront and get that scheduled. Well, do you mind if we ask why you changed your mind?”

Miller replied, “Well, it’s a lot of money, and I wasn’t really thinking that day. Sometimes I make the wrong decision. I feel like I made a wrong decision that day.”

Edwards explained that she didn’t think it could be voted on if not on the agenda, or if it needed to be discussed under other business. Miller argued back that it wasn’t a specially-called meeting and it was in Robert’s Rules, referring to a book he had in front of him.

Judge Wilson asked for a second to Miller’s motion to rescind the vote, and one was made by Crain and approved. It was stated that the minutes of the January 22 meeting were correct. The minutes were then approved with motions by Hawkins and Bragg.

Next was a discussion about changing the fiscal court’s meeting time due to the judge changing County Attorney Howard’s time at family court on the next Thursday’s meeting. After a short discussion, the time of 9:30 a.m. was agreed upon for the February 26th meeting.

Next on the agenda was a discussion of the annual contribution of $2,500 to the TJ Community Foundation. The foundation significantly helps seniors with medical care, medication, hearing aids, and other medical needs. The motion for the donation was made by Bragg, seconded by Crain, and approved.

It became necessary to purchase a vehicle for the coroner. The one being bought is less than $30,000, so no bids are necessary; however, the court must vote to allow Judge Wilson to sign the loan note at Edmonton State Bank. The motion to allow the signature was made by Crain, seconded by Bragg, and then approved.

The court voted to enter into a closed session per KRS 61.810(1)(b) for property acquisition or sale at 9:14 a.m. and returned at 9:38 a.m. Judge Wilson stated, “No action was taken.”

 

Financials

The January 2026 financial statement was approved following a motion by Bragg and a second by Crain.

The budget transfers were approved with motions from Miller and Hawkins.

An interfund transfer of $50,000 to the road fund was explained by Edwards as half of the amount due back to the fund after it was borrowed for the ambulance purchase. The other $50,000 will be repaid before the June deadline.

The claims were then reviewed, with Miller asking about the $2,188.06 paid to Barren County Glass. Edwards replied that it was for Tommy Garrett’s window. “We didn’t have to get approval for it, but it will be reimbursed once they do their audit, and then I send those expenses.”

The claims were approved after a motion by Bragg and a second by Miller.

 

Other Business

As requested, Miller spoke up with his motion to rescind his approval vote concerning the $13,000 to Bowling Park for the July 4th fireworks.

Edwards again tried to explain that nothing could be added to vote on after the agenda had been adopted, but Miller replied, “I think you can vote in other business, or else. Why would you have another business?”

“You can discuss things in other business, but if it’s not on the agenda, you can’t have an actual vote,” said Edwards.

“Well, I tried to do it. I’m fairly, I mean, I’m going to vote this. I mean, that’s why it’s, I may be wrong, but, but I wish to get a vote,” continued Miller. No vote was held.

Bragg discussed his thoughts concerning the recent historic winter storm, saying that the county should buy a sidearm and a couple of trucks for the road department using interest money earned from the money received from the sale of the nursing home. Judge Wilson replied that he already had a list of equipment needed by the road department on his desk.

Although not fiscal court-related, the Herald-News reporter asked Bragg about the status of the stage in the courthouse yard. His reply was, “We will have a stage ready by Summerfest.”

With no other items, the meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, at the special time of 9:30 a.m.