Metcalfe Awarded Road Funds
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Mark Welsh announced the award of discretionary funds. PJ Martin/The Herald-News
By PJ Martin
Office/News Reporter, Metcalfe Division
The Metcalfe County Fiscal Court meeting on Tuesday, May 14th was standing room only as the first guest speaker Mark Welsh of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department, Rural and Municipal Aid announced that Metcalfe County was being awarded $585,000 in discretionary funds for road improvements.
The funds will be used toward the resurfacing of the following roads:
- Glenn Finn Road (County Road 1342) from mile point 0 to 2.098.
- Pleasant Grove Church Road (County Road 1203) from mile point 0 to 2.132.
- Ralph Edwards Road (County Road 1202) from mile point 0 to 1.196.
- Sterling Gilbert Road (County Road 1359) from mile point 0 to 1.571.
- Lyron Estes Road (County Road 1257) from mile point 0 to 2.169.
- Society Hill Road (County Road 1012) from mile point 0 to 1.395.
The award is part of the Bevin Administration’s focus on taking care of the local level infrastructure needs noted Welsh. “We must have a strong infrastructure.”
Welsh explained that Governor Bevin’s vision for Kentucky is to be the industrial and manufacturing hub of the United State and wants it to be the state that others travel to for employment.
Approved Items
The second reading of FY2019/20 Metcalfe County Fiscal Court Budget Ordinance was approved along with the second reading of FY2018/19 Budget Amendment No. 3. Amending the budget by the expenditure amount of $222,491.95.
The Barren County Detention Center previously housed inmates for Metcalfe County at a charge of $36 per day, but as of May 1st that charge rose to $40 per day. The updated agreement was approved.
Court members approved an order appointing Charles Wisdom to the Metcalfe County Public Library Board of Trustees.
Financials
The fund’s balance for all accounts as of April 30, 2019, was reported by Treasurer Vickie Stephens as $3,307,412.94.
Court members approved that transfer of the suggested $500,000 from the Ambulance Fund to a 30-month certificate of deposit. Also approved was the rollover of the current certificate amount of approximately $378,000 to a new certificate that will pay the rate of 2.78 compared to the old rate of .85
Industrial Development and Economic Authority (IDEA) Chairman Matt South and the court went into closed session pursuant to KRS 61.810 (1) (g) for discussion of a specific proposal. When they returned South asked for and received the court’s approval of two items. 1) A motion allowing the Judge to pursue applications for a qualified architect, engineer firm, or individual to provide services for possible additions and improvements to the Edmonton-Metcalfe County South Industrial Park. 2) A Community Block Grant Resolution authorizing the submission of an application authorizes the Judge to sign the application and authorizes Barren River Area Development District to prepare and assist in the administration of the project if said project is funded.
Other Business
The bids were opened for the annual supplies for Fiscal Year 2019/20 and will be checked for specification and prices and awarded at the next meeting on May 28th.
EMS Director Emory Kidd updated the court on the new communication tower stating that the antennas are being installed and should be working by the end of the week. However, no numbers have been acquired for the fencing yet.
Magistrate Kenny Scott inquired of Judge/Executive Harold Stilts, “What is the status of the building [pavilion] in the courthouse yard?”
Judge Stilts replied that a 12 ft. x 20 ft. steel structure/shelter with a roof is under consideration.
IDEA Board Chairman Matt South. PJ Martin/The Herald-News
