Beech Tree News Network

After more than a month of meetings, work sessions, debates, and setbacks the Butler County Fiscal Court finally has a budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16. The second reading of the budget passed by a 4-1 vote in a special session of the Court on Monday night.

After a motion to accept the budget from First District Magistrate Stevie Givens, a and a second from Third District Magistrate Chad Tyree a roll call vote was taken. Before casting the first vote, Magistrate Givens told the Court that he didn't agree with the budget, but "...we need to make this pass."

The roll call resulted in four votes in favor of the budget, with Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill casting the only nay vote.

The Court moved on to addressing the propane bid for the Woodbury Museum. Magistrate David Whittinghill told the Court that United Propane Gas (UPG) would provide a lease-free tank for the museum, and would fill the tank for .958 dollars per gallon. The County currently pays $2.09 for propane from Propane Energy Partners, plus an additional fee for tank lease. The magistrates voted 5-0 to award the bid to UPG.

The final agenda item was the annual renewal for liability and property insurance through KACO (Kentucky Association of Counties). Judge Fields told the Court that earthquake coverage for the County dropped significantly this year. Magistrate Chad Tyree suggested that the county look at other deductible rates before future renewals. The Court passed the renewal by a 5-0 vote.

The Court discussed allocating approximately $33,000 of Road Flex Funds for two projects in the First District. Flex Funds are usually split between the other four districts because most First District roads are under City Maintenance.

A brief discussion was also had concerning mandatory fire dues for county fire departments, but no action was taken.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Story by Joe K. Morris, Beech Tree News