Beech Tree News Network

Court considering eliminating city jail work crew

Butler County Fiscal Court met at the courthouse on Monday, April 8. All magistrates attended: Stevie Givens, Kevin Phelps, Allen Smith, David Whittinghill, and Dillon Bryant.

Old Business:

The court conducted a review of the financial documents, prepared by the county treasurer. The documents revealed an economic loss for the county, primarily attributed to the city jail crew. The estimated loss was approximately $12,000. Deputy Jailer Chad Bratcher engaged in a discussion with Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps, but no concrete commitment was made regarding additional financial support for the county. Consequently, the court decided to defer the motion to discontinue the city jail work crew until further deliberations could be held between the judge and the mayor.

New Business:

Connie Embry, along with a group of concerned citizens, voiced their apprehensions about the closure of the Butler County Recycling Center.

Embry shared research she had done on how other countries handle their recycling.

 "I think there are some things that can be done to at least give us some limited recycling options," said Embry. "Recycling is a passion for me and many others."

When asked why they (the court) closed the recycling center, Magistrate David Whittinghill said there is no support on the Fiscal Court for the recycling center.

Judge/Executive Tim Flener said they wanted to move Corey Raymer to solid waste and mowing the county parks.

Deborah Givens spoke in support of the Recycling Center. 

"I realize you have to be concerned about money, but isn't there something we can find to work around besides closing?" Recycling is a service; it shows we are a progressive community and helps educate our youth."

Givens requested the budget records for the recycling center, which showed a loss of around $40,000 per year. Magistrate Dillon Bryant questioned her numbers. According to Bryant, another $20,000 needs to be added for benefits and another $10,000 for insurance on the building, bringing the loss to $70,000.

Karen Lain Harper asked,  "How is closing the recycling center moving the county forward?" It is a major step backward for Butler County."

According to Magistrate Allen Smith, there is coming a time when we have to do something. Other things are also going to have to be cut.

"I have been an avid recycler for 35 years, and it breaks my heart to see the recycling center closed. I beg you to please reconsider your decision. The recycling center is essential to our families, businesses, and youth,"said Jeanie Locke.

After hearing several complaints from citizens, Magistrate Kevin Phelps said that after he was elected, he talked with Corey Raymer and suggested he cut the number of recycling trailers in half and maybe only do recycling a couple of days a week to cut costs. Still, according to Phelps, Raymer never did any of the suggestions.

"I have people tell me all the time they see Corey with three or four people in the truck riding around on a Sunday drive picking up three or four pieces of cardboard," said Phelps.

Several asked who is Raymer's boss? Judge Flener said the court is his boss.

Kathy Porter asked what percent of the total budget the recycling center makes up. After a discussion, it was stated that recycling makes up less than two percent of the total budget.

After a lengthy discussion, the court agreed to talk with the mayor and look into other options.

The court went into a closed session under KRS 61.810. Upon returning to the session, the court agreed to set up interviews with EMS Director Emily Tyree and members of the court for 911 dispatch.

Deputy Jailer Kelly Fugate asked the court to approve some updates to the jail policy and procedures manual, including a new media consent form, hiring under the age of 21, and increased jail fees. The motion was approved.

The Court approved the following additional items:

--Mud River Watershed Annual Budget

--Fourth VFD Treasurer Report

--Fifth District VFD Treasurer's Report

--Woodbury RV Park Quarterly payment of Tax (Jan. thru Feb. Rentals $775, taxes $77.50)

--Monthly Treasurer's Statement

--Quarterly Financial Statement

--Transfer of $35,000 from the General Fund to the Jail Fund

--Transfer of $10,000 from the General Fund to the E911 Fund

 --Bills and transfers