Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday, February 26th at the Butler County Courthouse.  All magistrates - Stevie Givens, Johnny Tuck, Chad Tyree, David Whittinghill and Bobby Moore, were in attendance.
The magistrates revised the county personnel policy adding a job description for dispatchers then voted 5-0 to approve the management contract with the Ambulance Board in regards to 911.  The agreement will now be sent to the Ambulance Board for approval. If the contract is approved, dispatchers will become county employees.
The court accepted $25,000 from Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward in excess fees and $201,547.24 from Butler County Clerk Sherry Johnson.  According to Johnson, her office had a total income of $3,836,367.57 and total expenses of $3,634,820.33.
CLICK HERE FOR CLERK'S 2017 Final Settlement:2017 Clerk Final Settlement.pdf
In other business, the court approved a $1,000 state grant for spay/neuter at the Butler County Animal Shelter and $1,100 for repairs to kennels from donated funds.
Butler County Jailer Rocky Tyree presented the updated policies and procedures for the Jail.  Deputy Jailer Tara McMillin told the court about the implementation of Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) at the jail.
MRT is a systematic treatment strategy that seeks to decrease recidivism among adult criminal offenders by increasing moral reasoning. The therapy is structured around 16 objectively-defined steps  focusing on seven basic treatment issues: confrontation of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors; assessment of current relationships; reinforcement of positive behavior and habits; positive identity formation; enhancement of self-concept; decrease in hedonism and development of frustration tolerance; and development of higher stages of moral reasoning.
MRT program in a minimum of three to six months and includes community service.
Jailer Tyree and Deputy Spohn shared with the court their desire to purchase a Restraint Chair for inmates.  The chair costs $1,850 and would be used to restrain inmates that become a danger to themselves and others.  According to Tyree, most jails in Kentucky currently have the chair. 
The court voted 4-1, to declare the  2017 truck (with 15,000 miles) of the Recycling Center surplus.  According to Judge-Executive David Fields, they will accept sealed bids for the truck.  Third District MagistrateChad Tyree was the lone nay vote.
The court discussed but took no action on a new vehicle for Emergency Management and a $19,600 estimate for a new roof on the Butler County Community Development Center due to leaking.
The court approved the following by a 5-0 vote:

•  Purchase two banners for advertisement of the Green River Catfish Festival not to exceed $800

• Hired seasonal Road Department employees Randall Grubb ($12.97 per hour) and Warren Brooks ($12.24 per hour) from March 1st through October 31st

• County Clerk 2017 Final Settlement

• Sheriff's 2016 Franchise Tax Settlement- Pending Final Audit

• Bills and Transfers

• $500 to secure a TVA bill for the county

• Transfer of $25,000 from General Fund to Jail Fund

• Purchase of a computer for the Occupational Tax officer $640