Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Fiscal Court held its final regular meeting for June, and for Fiscal Year 2014-15 on Monday night. A short agenda awaited the squires, and all members of the Court were present.

One item of old business was on the agenda. The county pest control bid wasn't settled at the last meeting of the Court. At that meeting Richard Embry from E-Pest offered to match a bid submitted by Wheeldon. It was unclear at that time if bids could be matched. Embry also questioned if Wheeldon's bid covered all of the County's needs.

County Judge-Executive David Fields told the Court that according to County Attorney Dick Deye, bids could not be matched. Fields said the three options open to the Court were accepting the low bid, rebidding the job, or taking a low option bid. A low option bid would allow each bidder the option of submitting or answering a lower bid, until the lowest bid is finally submitted.

Fourth District Magistrate David Whittinghill said that he thought the previous low bid should be honored. First District Magistrate Stevie Givens moved to rebid the job, with Second District Magistrate Johnny Tuck seconding. After a suggestion by Third District Magistrate Chad Tyree to give a detailed bid sheet to potential bidders the motion passed 5-0.

Next the magistrates reappointed Joyce Guffy to the BRADD Aging Board. Guffy was recommended by BRADD. The motion made by Johnny Tuck to reappoint Guffy passed 5-0.

At the recommendation of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, the Court appointed Betty Daugherty to serve in the Butler County Library Board. Daugherty will fill a spot on the board vacated by Melissa Iler, whose term expired. Stevie Givens moved to appoint Daugherty and the motion passed 5-0.

The next order of business was approving a payment to Ford Communications for $2,500. The payment covered a new repeater for the 4th District Volunteer Fire Department.

Magistrate Stevie Givens asked if the money would come out of the department's $10,000 budget. Judge Fields answered that the department decided not to pay for the repeater with their funds. Magistrate David Whittinghill asked if the other county fire departments paid for their new repeaters and was told that they had. He then told the Court that the 4th District Fire Department thought they shouldn't have to pay for the repeater since it is also used by EMS and the Sheriff's Office.

Judge Fields told the squires that the money could be taken out of the next Fiscal Year's budget. Chad Tyree moved to pay the bill, which is from last year, with the stipulation that funding to the Fourth District VFD be reevaluated in the next budget cycle. The motion passed 5-0.

A $3,388 payment from the Butler County Rescue Squad was approved by the Court. The money for the payment will come out of the Rescue Squad budget. The motion passed 5-0.

Magistrate Chad Tyree reported to the Court that after further research, he thought a decision to award the County road tile bid to Hagan Stone should stand. At the last meeting the bid for road tile up to 36" was awarded to Hagan Stone. At that time Tyree asked to check if larger tile could be bought at a better price. Tyree said that after conferring with Road Supervisor Timmy West he found out that no very large tile is likely to be used by the County. No action was needed.

The Court discussed a $425 reimbursement to Coroner Marty Jones for vehicle cleaning and mileage. Some discussion was had as to whether there was enough money remaining in the Coroner's budget to cover the expense. No action was taken and the matter will be readdressed at a special session on Monday, June 29.

In other business litter abatement payments were authorized to; Reedyville Lodge-$606, and Butler County FFA-$600. Net profit refunds were passed for; EM Heard & Sons-$400, and Certified Flux Solutions-$700. Net profit refunds are given for over-payment of taxes and fees by companies doing business in the county.

After approving routine bills and transfers the short meeting was adjourned.

The Court will meet in special session on Monday, June 29th. Among agenda items for that meeting will be final passage of the Fiscal Year 2015-16 budget.

Story by Joe K. Morris, Beech Tree News