By KAREN JONES CODY
The Knott County Fiscal Court held their regular meeting for November on Monday, Nov. 18. Members of the court ran through a small agenda in a little over half an hour.
The most significant item in the routine meeting came in the new business section. Judge-Executive Zach Weinberg presented a resolution asking for drawdown of funds for work completed on the Carr Creek Water Treatment Plant upgrade. He noted that the request from KRADD was not included in the clains list because it had been received after the list was printed. The court gave unanimous approval.
The court held their first reading of an ordinance concerning budget amendments. County Treasurer Kevin Jacobs explained that the ordinance listed funds received which were not included in the original budget, so the budget must be amended to show it. A resolution was then presented detailing transfers, and Jacobs referred to it as the “expense side” of keeping the budget balanced. The court voted to approve both documents.
Statements of affiliation for the Knott County Rescue Squad and Fisty-Dwarf Volunteer Fire Department were presented and approved; Judge Weinberg told the court these statements were required in order for the organizations to be eligible to request state funding.
A resolution for renewal of the Sheriff’s County Revenue Bond was presented; Michael Sturgill related that the bond is for collection of property taxes. District Four Magistrate Calvin Waddles said someone from the Sheriff’s Office should have been present to explain the resolution, and voted to oppose it. The resolution passed on a 4-1 vote.
A resolution to accept a Memorandum of Agreement with the Kentucky Transportaton Cabinet, which allows the county to accept funding for the road department, was unanimously approved.
Six roads were accepted into the county road maintenance system — High Rock Lane, Indian Drive, Janice Drive, Lafferty Johnson Lane, Lee Ratliff Drive and Noble Ritchie Lane.
The monthly claims list was presented, and financial advisor Darrell Madden pointed out that if grant funds were omitted, the list was really small. The list included state grant funds that were used in finishing the golf driving range and federal funds which were flood repair reimbursements.
Kevin Jacobs began the treasurer’s report with totals for the county’s different funds. At the end of October, the General Fund had $8,410.94; Jail Fund, $8,738.60; Road Fund $821,642.76; LGEA, $3,623.05. Jacobs said the severance tax check usually comes at the end of October, but Knott County did not receive theirs until Nov. 11. “There were no major changes in the check this time; we had budgeted low so we were ready for it. We also received money from property tax collection, around $327,000. All our bills are paid.”
Also under new business, Economic Development Director Ezalee Pigman asked the court to approve a resolution identifying Knott County as a Work Ready Community in Progress. Pigman said surrounding communities were also adopting the Work Ready designation, which will hopefully help to attract businesses and industry to locate in the area. The court agreed to show their support for the initiative.
With no public comments and no need for a closed session, the meeting was adjourned.
Find the Troublesome Creek Times at local stores in Knott and surrounding counties or subscribe to the Times at (606)-785-5134