BENTON – Marshall County Fiscal Court met in their first meeting of 2015 on January 6th, called to order by Commissioner Bob Gold along with new Commissioners Johnny Bowlin and Dr. Rick Cocke.
The court heard from several guests starting with County Court Clerk Tim York, who presented his 2015 budget and deputy hire budget to the court.
York stated that his total collections went down in 2014 by $300. The budget and deputy hire which includes assistants and other employees in the amount of $600,000 was accepted and approved by the court.
Josh Tubbs updated the court on Phase II of Airgas in their liquid hydrogen project in Calvert City which is a multi-million dollar project.
Tubbs also spoke to the court on the $100,000 that was approved for industrial park development. A study was put together by an engineering firm with preliminary studies that will be heard in a meeting on January 22nd. The firm of Bacon, Farmer and Workman will be presenting at the meeting.
Robert Chandler reported to the court his difficulties with the Marion VA Hospital concerning gas cards, insurance and licensing of the VA van that Marshall County utilizes.
Chandler reported to the court the state of transporting veterans to their appointments as well as many other activities the veterans participate in and support throughout the county.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual dinner on January 29th at the Kentucky Dam Village and contacted the court concerning their annual sponsorship of this event. The court approved a silver sponsorship in the amount of $500.
Mediacom informed the court that on or before January 15th, they will be implementing new rate adjustments.
Curtis Cavanaugh, a resident of Pirate’s Cove, requested on behalf of the residents, the court’s help in the cleanup of their area. Commissioner Gold plans to take a look at the area.
OLD BUSINESS
Russell York, Superintendent of the Road Department, requested approval of the purchase of an AED in the amount of $1,700, funds the department has in their safety equipment budget.
NEW BUSINESS
Sheriff Kevin Byars presented the departments 2015 budget proposal which the court will discuss in a special called workshop to be held on January 12th at 4:00 in the Fiscal Courtroom, before passing the budget.
The deputy hire has also been delayed until the January 12th workshop. Both new members of the Fiscal Court expressed their desire to sit down with Byars before approving the budget.
The county employee holiday schedule of days off was approved by the court which included Tater Day and four hours of election voting.
The Marshall County Courthouse will celebrate 100 years in 2015. A planning committee has been formed for this Centennial event which the court approved.
Department heads have been meeting with KACO staff quarterly to discuss the Defensive Driving Course and how it could affect claims filed as well as how to prevent claims suggesting all county employees participate in a defensive driving class. The court tabled a decision in this matter until the next meeting.
Commissioner Bob Gold took an opportunity to welcome new Fiscal Court Commissioners Johnny Bowlin and Dr. Rick Cocke.
Dr. Cocke expressed his appreciation to Judge Miller for his 40 years of service to the county.
The Refuse District audit is available for review in the Judge’s office.
The court approved the listing of county employees as of January 1, 2015.
The KRS (Kentucky Retirement System) rates will go down in 2015 according to county treasurer Emily Martin.
MEETING RESCHEDULES
The January 20th meeting of the Fiscal Court has been rescheduled for January 15th.
The first meeting of the court in February has been canceled with one meeting taking place in the month on February 17th.
The Animal Shelter reported that in the pen as of November 30, 2014 was 32 animals. Animals in the pen as of December 31, 2014 was 34 with adoption fees in the amount of $1,680.
For the year, 988 animals were taken in and 750 adopted in 2014. Donations amounted to $11,755.50 with adoption fees of 420, 625. The court approved the report.
Court went into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and a possible litigation issue.
A recommendation was made and approved to raise the salary of Justin Lamb by $1.00 per hour from funds already in Judge’s Appropriation account.