LOUISA, Ky. — Lawrence Judge/Exec. Phillip Carter and his fiscal court passed a somewhat controversial ordinance yesterday that requires the Louisa Fire and Rescue/ Fire Board to conduct its meetings in the county courtroom and keep all non-financial instruments there.
The fire board has been conducting its meetings at the courthouse for several years since its inception in 1996, FB chairman Colleen Stone said. But a conflict arose when former member Neil Wilson abruptly quit and as treasurer and left the checkbook at the courthouse but Ms. Stone went to the courthouse and got it.
“The county has nothing to say about this fire district, ” Stone said. “it was established by a group of citizens concerned about fire protection from city limits to a five mile radius with bylaws and rules just like any other independent boards do.”
Ms. Stone also said the fire district board has no financial connection with the county. She said the board pays $29,400 of the taxes charged property owners within the district to the LVFD. She said the board uses another $15,000 for equipment and other needs of the fire district.
Judge Carter has taken an interest in the board of late, Stone said. “He came to a recent meeting and attempted to take over but the board members set him straight real fast,” she said.
Board members include Louisa firefighters 2, County appointed 3, and two are homeowners in the district.
The Lawrence County Courthouse is closed today because of inclement weather, Clerk Chris Jobe messaged this morning. Judge Exec. Carter is not available for comment but the new amendment to an ordinance actually speaks for itself. (SEE VIDEO IN LAZER TODAY)
The Fire District Board has a meeting tomorrow evening and it should be interesting…
Louisa Area Fire Rescue District
Regular Meeting
February 20, 2025
5:00pm
Louisa City Hall
Agenda
- Call to Order
- Roll Call.
Old Business
- Approve minutes from October 24, 2024 & December 26, 2024.
- Second Reading to Amend the By-laws to change date, time and place for meetings.
- Approve Treasure David Hughes to co-sign the checks.
New Business
- Treasure Report.
- Approve paying the City of Louisa for Fire/Rescue/EMS services/contract ($24,900).
- Approve paying the Bond for the Fire Board ($365.46).
- Approve paying the Post Office Box ($84.00).
- Susie New, new Board Member appointed by the Fiscal Court replacing Gary Nelson.
- Amendment of by-laws to change meeting place and time.
- Hiring of an Attorney.
- Electing a Board Secretary.
- Conducting an Audit.
- Trustee Comments
- Comments from the General Public
- Meeting Adjourned
