PAY FEE ON WATER BILL TO FUND 911?
UPDATED: MARCH 18, 2016 — Fiscal Court meets, SAYS STATE PROJECTS ARE FROZEN? STATE SAYS PROJECTS ARE ALIVE AND WELL, Just no money
March 17, 2016 approved as Lawrence County Bulldog Day
The Lawrence County Fiscal Court met Tuesday, March 15, beginning with prayer led by County Court Clerk, Chris Jobe. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the meeting was then called to order by County Judge Executive, John Osborne.
The February, 2016 meetings minutes were approved, as was the treasurer’s report, request, and bills. The KY Transportation Cabinet District 12 Rural Secondary Road Program was approved for the Fiscal Year 2016-2017.
The Jail Fund Budget for 2016-2017 was approved. The approval of Sheriff’s 2015 Fee Settlement, was tabled. A motion was made to accept the Sheriff’s 2014 Unmined Coal Settlement in the amount of $21,212.86, by Magistrate Rick Blackburn, seconded by Earl Boggs. The Clerk’s Financial Report was approved, pending audit, and Clerk’s Excess Fees were accepted.
The court discussed alternative ways to fund 9-11, suggesting a fee of $4.50 a month on water meters the first year, dropping to $4.00 the second year. The state has given counties permission to fund 9-11 through other sources, in a KRS statute.
Legend Outfitters were not able to attend Tuesday’s meeting, will reschedule to next month, to hear proposal concerning county property near marina.
The court approved the lay-off of two county garage workers; motion made by John J. Lemaster, seconded by Morris Howard.
The contract renewal on the county park camp store was approved; motion made by Morris Howard, seconded by Earl Boggs. John Osborne and Greg Kiser were appointed to the FIVCO Regional Development Planning Committee.
During public comments portion of the meeting, the court approved a proclamation by Judge Osborne of March 17, 2016, as Lawrence County Bulldog Day, in honor of the boys high school basketball team playing in the Sweet Sixteen Tournament.
UPDATED 3-18-2016
LAWRENCE ROAD PROJECTS NOT ‘FROZEN’ BY BEVIN; YORK says
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has received notice from Governor Bevin’s office that the Deadman’s Curve road project and the Commerce Drive (Walmart Road) Phase Two Project — which called for turning lanes at the intersection of 2565, has both been ‘frozen’ until after the new fiscal year which begins July 1st, 2016, a spokesperson for the fiscal court said.
But state Rep. Jill York had a slightly different slant on the situation this morning (Friday, March 18)).
“…The long and the short of it is that the cabinet is trying to curb spending all over the state for the next few months. Our projects are not halted. They are not stopped. The projects you noted in your email are funded and expected to be addressed as funds are available.
Here’s the note from Mary Westfall-Holbrook, PE
Thanks!
“…Jill
There seems to me a miscommunication and/or understanding concerning the projects in Lawrence County. Governor Bevin has not stopped any projects in Lawrence County. The Cabinet is experiencing a very serious cash flow issue at this time. We are looking for ways to slow down spending in the next 3-6 months by managing all of our funds wisely. We are looking at ALL state funded projects throughout the state. Projects that already have Design, ROW, Utility or Constructions phases authorized are continuing to have work done on them, at this time, however, if additional state funds are needed authorization is not being obligated, at this time.
There are currently three state funded projects in Lawrence County:
· 12-3 Construct a new roadway to connect KY 3215 to KY 1185 at Yatesville Lake.
· 12-193 Improve sight distance along KY 2565 and eliminate “Dead Man’s Curve”.
· 12-196.10 Reconstruct KY 2565 near intersection with CR 1529/KY2565//KY 2563 (Section 2)
and the in-house work on these projects are continuing to progress as funds allow.
Thank you
Mary Westfall-Holbrook, P.E.
Chief District Engineer
District 12
606-433-7791 Ext. 237″
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Sen. Ray Jones, D-PIKEVILLE said he received the same infromation from District 12 – that the work is ongoing because it was in effect before Bevin’s “freeze’. The confusion was caused when the county received a letter from the state stating that all road projects were to be frozen and there was nothing that said Lawrence County’s projects were any different. But, even though York argues the projects are continuing depends on whether funds are available or not, so county officials are correct, too.
* After discussing county insurance coverage, the county will continue to be covered by KACO. It was announced that Charlie Borders is the new field agent for Senator Ran Paul.
* Meeting Adjourned. The next Lawrence County Fiscal Court Meeting will be Tuesday, APRIL 19, at 10:00 am.