Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday evening, October 13th, 2014 at the Butler County Courthouse. Magistrate David Whittinghill was absent from the meeting. 

The Court approved the second reding of a budget amendment in the amount of $287,437, which was first heard last month. The motion to accept second reading passed 4-0 without discussion. 

The Magistrates approved the purchase of a new ferry tug boat for the Rochester Ferry. The tug will be bought from the Jessamine County Fiscal Court for $25,000. Although the price exceeds the $20,000 maximum amount before bids must be taken, a provision in the Kentucky Revised Statutes allows for the purchase. Under the KRS regulations a purchase of over $20,000 can be made if only one of an item is available within a reasonable distance. 

The Jessamine County Fiscal Court has approved selling the tug, but Butler County will have to pay all the expenses of moving the boat. The paddle-wheel type tug was inspected by County Judge-Executive David Fields, Road Supervisor Timmy West, and magistrates David Whittinghill and Chad Tyree. All agree that the tug fits the needs of the Rochester Ferry and is in good working order. Magistrate Keith Daugherty asked if an appraisal was needed before buying the boat and was assured that it was not. The Court approved the purchase by a 4-0 vote. 

Litter abatement payments were made from the $100-Dollar Mile Litter Abatement fund to the following: Salem Baptist Church-$604, Boys and Girls Club of Butler County-$600, White Ridge Baptist Church-$671, Cub Scout Troop #208-$667, 5th District VFD-$650, Reedyville Rural Development-$632, BCHS Basketball Boosters-$692, Andrea's Mission for Men-$600, Andrea's Mission for Women-$601. The payments were approved by a 4-0 vote. 

The next item of discussion was an estimate by Norman Burdin for construction of a break room in the Courthouse. Judge Fields said that a written estimate for the work had not been given to his office, therefore no action could be taken on the matter. Magistrate Chad Tyree asked if a small ad could be placed asking for more bids and it was agreed to do so. 

Bids for renovations to the Reed's Ferry operator's building were not able to be read because all the bids were not available to open. The item will be discussed at the next meeting of the Fiscal Court. 

A bid of $87,975 dollars was accepted from Metalworks 360 of Greenville for the County's new recycling trailers. The only other bid was from Pro-Tainer of Minneapolis, Mn for $106,200. The motion to accept the bid was approved 4-0. 

Road supervisor Timmy West reported to the Court about the state of roads in the county. He said that patching and chip-sealing is done throughout the county. West said the department used 2 tanks of oil and 500 tons of cold mix in each of the county's four large districts (all districts excluding first). One county mowing tractor is being sent for service to John Deere, but West said all mowing and trimming would be completed this week. He said that work will shift now to grading and graveling roads, until salting and plowing starts in the winter. He also said all the county's work on the McKendree Chapel Road project is complete and the remaining work would be done by contractors. 

A short recess was then called so that County Attorney Dick Deye could consult with Judge Fields. After the short break Judge Fields told the Court that bids from Green River Equipment Leasing, Inc, and Scott & Murphy, Inc for the McKendree Chapel Road project couldn't be considered because both bids caused the county to exceed its budget. Fields explained that under Kentucky law the county can enter into negotiations with the bidders about the bid prices. Judge Fields said that time constraints prevent the county from rebidding the job. The squires voted 4-0 to renegotiate the bids with the two companies. 

The Court then went into closed session to discuss ongoing litigation involving the County, and personnel matters. When they returned to open session the magistrates voted 4-0 to hire Matt Staples to a part time position with the Butler County Animal Shelter. Staples will work less than 100 hours per week at the rate of $9.13 per hour. No details were given pertaining to the litigation. 

In other business the court heard monthly and quarterly treasurer's reports, approved routine bills and transfers, and approved the monthly transfer of funds from the general fund to the jail fund. 

The meeting was then adjourned.