Meeting of March 17, 2025
Breckinridge County Fiscal Court - 3/17/25 · Watch on YouTube ↗
Summary
Breckinridge County Fiscal Court — March 17, 2025
The court handled a full slate of routine business, approving minutes, transfers, and claims, including a bill from a newly hired attorney related to a youth services matter. Excess fees from both the County Clerk (over $139,000) and the Sheriff (about $250,800) were approved, with the court discussing rolling sheriff's excess fees back into next year's budget and exploring making the two paid deputies self-sufficient rather than county-funded over time.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet presented the Rural Secondary Road program priorities, covering routine maintenance, chip seal and resurfacing projects on several roads, and fielded magistrate concerns about flood-damaged Highway 1740, rough sections of Highway 86, and requests for more Amish buggy/bicycle warning signage near recent accident sites. The road department reported ongoing struggles with heavy rain damage, equipment breakdowns (including a grader and the county's large paver), and discussed possibly buying a grader box or land plane to help with pothole repair, plus surplussing an old airport van and accepting Dairy Lane into the county road system.
Breck United and the Chamber of Commerce/Tourism both requested funding for the upcoming budget — $100,000 for Breck United and increases to $35,000 for the Chamber and $110,000 for Tourism, including plans for an America250 initiative. A proposal to pay Murray State $6,100 for a solar panel economic impact study was debated and ultimately approved on a split vote. The court also proclaimed March 18, 2025 as "Caroline Lucas Day" honoring a local athlete's three state track titles.
Residents of North Lakeside Road raised concerns that their road had been shortened in county records from 4.5 miles to 0.07 miles without notice, cutting off maintenance to homes built after the change; the court agreed to research old minutes and correct any errors. The County Attorney and Sheriff's office also discussed using opioid settlement funds to help residents pay for Casey's Law-related treatment costs, though no formal action was taken pending further research into costs and safeguards.
Other approved items included the FY22-23 audit (noting recurring minor issues with paying claims within 30 days due to the court's monthly meeting schedule), the waste tire amnesty agreement for late April, invoice approval using jail tech grant funds per auditor recommendation, and the appointment of Kevin Carman to fill a vacancy on the Ethics Commission. The court also voted to require all fire departments to submit budgets, financials, and rosters before the next meeting, and set the next regular meeting for April 21, 2025.
Agenda (28)
- 1:52
Approval of Minutes (Feb 17 and Mar 12)
The court approved minutes from the February 17, 2025 regular meeting and the March 12, 2025 special call meeting.
- 2:42
Approval of Transfers
The court approved budget transfers, including a transfer to the jail from the general fund, described as the last transfer of the budget year.
- 3:27
Approval of Claims
Claims were approved, including discussion of a $10,000 claim related to opioid settlement money for the Exodus House and the first bill from a newly hired attorney.
- 4:55
Kentucky Transportation Rural Secondary Road Program
State transportation officials presented the rural secondary road priorities and budget for the coming year, and magistrates raised concerns about flood damage on KY 1740, rough conditions on Highway 86, and requests for more Amish buggy warning signs.
- 15:25
Road Department Report
John reported ongoing struggles from heavy rain and flooding, equipment breakdowns including a grader and the paver, and discussed options like a grader box or land plane to help with spot repairs.
- 24:04
County Clerk Fiscal 2024 Excess Fees Pending Audit
The County Clerk presented a check for $139,450 in excess fees pending audit, related to grant project monies.
- 25:35
County Sheriff Fiscal 2024 Excess Fees Pending Audit
The Sheriff presented a check for $250,800 in excess fees; the court discussed rolling those fees back to fund the sheriff's budget and eventually making deputies self-funded.
- 28:22
Breck United Update and Funding Request
Breck United requested $100,000 in continued funding, highlighted $830,000 in grant funding secured over two years, and discussed a grant for a park road entrance and a new event venue.
- 31:59
Murray State Solar Panel Study Proposal
A proposal to pay Murray State up to $6,100 for an independent economic impact study on the proposed solar project was discussed and put to a vote.
- 36:29
Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Funding Requests
The Chamber requested an increase to $35,000 and Tourism requested $110,000, citing new events and an America250 initiative.
- 39:51
Caroline Lucas Day Proclamation
Judge Lucas read a proclamation naming March 18, 2025 as Caroline Lucas Day, honoring her three individual state track titles.
- 43:13
Guest Comment: North Lakeside Road Maintenance Dispute
Residents raised concerns that North Lakeside Road had been shortened in county records from 4.5 miles to 0.07 miles without notice, cutting off maintenance to homes; the court agreed to research old minutes.
- 52:26
Opioid Settlement Funds and Casey's Law Discussion
The County Attorney and Sheriff discussed potentially using opioid settlement funds to help cover the cost of Casey's Law evaluations and treatment for opioid-addicted individuals; no formal action was taken.
- 1:03:38
FY 2022-23 Fiscal Court Audit
The court reviewed and accepted the audit, noting recurring minor findings about not paying all claims within 30 days due to only meeting monthly.
- 1:05:22
Bids for Paper (Paver) and Roller
No bids were received for the old paver and roller; the court discussed surplus/auction options but did not want to sell for a low price.
- 1:06:37
Surplus of Airport Van
The court approved surplussing an old 2003 Chrysler Town and Country van used at the airport.
- 1:07:14
Accept Dairy Lane into County Road System
The court approved accepting Dairy Lane, about 1.3 miles, into the county maintenance system after resolving a deed and right-of-way issue.
- 1:08:00
Waste Tire Amnesty Agreement
The court approved the waste tire amnesty agreement for April 24-26 and authorized the judge to sign it.
- 1:10:03
Approval of Invoice Using Jail Tech Grant Funds
Per audit recommendation, the court approved having the fiscal court formally approve invoices paid using jail technology grant funds from the phone/kiosk contract.
- 1:11:44
Ethics Commission Appointment
Judge Lucas appointed Kevin Carman to fill the Ethics Commission vacancy left by Jamie Macy's resignation due to health issues.
- 1:12:54
Animal Shelter Report
The court noted receipt of the animal shelter report, mentioning the shelter was full on dogs.
- 1:13:08
Solid Waste Report
The court noted receipt of the solid waste report.
- 1:13:14
Sheriff's Activity Report
The court noted receipt of the sheriff's activity report showing 871 calls.
- 1:13:41
Treasurer's Reports
The court noted receipt of the treasurer's report and monthly report.
- 1:13:56
Jailer's Report
The jailer reported a total jail population of 175, with county population up slightly and discussion of housing prisoners from another county.
- 1:15:50
Budget Presentation Discussion
Judge Lucas gave a brief overview ahead of formal budget preparation, and discussed nuisance ordinance property value language.
- 1:16:54
Road Materials/Flex Funds and Equipment Discussion
Magistrates discussed flex funds for road materials, repair or replacement of the large paver, need for a smaller roller for patching work, and timing for advertising asphalt bids.
- 1:24:34
Fire Department Budget Reporting Requirement
The court discussed the lack of fire departments submitting required budgets and financials, and moved to require all fire departments to submit budgets, financials, and rosters before the next meeting.
Motions & votes (17)
- 2:00
passedApprove minutes of the February 17, 2025 regular meeting
Moved by Squire Armstrong · seconded by Squire H · unanimous
- 2:25
passedApprove minutes of the March 12, 2025 special call meeting
Moved by Squire M · seconded by Squire H · unanimous
- 2:44
passedApprove transfers
Moved by Squire Albright · seconded by Squire Armstrong · unanimous
- 3:28
passedApprove claims
Moved by Squire M · seconded by Squire Armstrong · unanimous
- 14:53
passedApprove Kentucky Transportation Rural Secondary road agreement
Moved by Squire Greenwell · seconded by Squire Armstrong · unanimous
- 25:01
passedApprove excess fees from the County Court Clerk pending audit
Moved by Squire Greenwell · seconded by Squire Armstrong · unanimous
- 27:34
passedApprove excess fees from the Sheriff pending audit
seconded by Squire Bavon · unanimous
- 27:53
passedReturn sheriff's excess fees to help pay bills as they become due
Moved by Squire Armstrong · seconded by Squire B · unanimous
- 35:50
passedApprove Murray State solar panel economic impact study, not to exceed $6,100
4-3, Judge Lucas and Squires Albright and Moore opposed
- 1:05:00
passedApprove county audit for fiscal years 2022-23
Moved by Squire B · seconded by Squire Albright · unanimous
- 1:06:53
passedApprove surplus of the 2003 Chrysler Town and Country airport van
Moved by Squire H · seconded by Squire More · unanimous
- 1:07:41
passedAccept Dairy Lane into the county maintenance system
Moved by Squire Albright · seconded by Squire M · 6-1, one no vote recorded
- 1:09:43
passedApprove waste tire amnesty agreement and authorize judge to sign
Moved by Squire Greenwell · seconded by Squire H · unanimous
- 1:11:13
passedApprove payment of invoice using jail tech grant funds
Moved by Squire B · seconded by Squire Armstrong · unanimous
- 1:12:29
passedAppoint Kevin Carman to the Ethics Commission
Moved by Judge Lucas · seconded by Squire Armstrong · unanimous
- 1:25:16
passedRequire all fire departments to submit budgets, financials, and rosters before next meeting
unanimous
- 1:26:08
passedAdjourn the meeting
unanimous
Transcript (70 segments)
- 0:00
okay let's all stand for the pledge and [Music] prayer Al to the flag of the United States of America and to the for it stands Nation God indivisible okay this morning we're pleased to have with us Deacon Tony Anthony from the holy Guardian Angel Church in Irvington and he's going to lead us in prayer this morning good and gracious God you have revealed your glory to All Nations God of power wisdom and Justice through you Authority is rightly administered laws are enacted and judgment decreed today we pray for our elected officials especially for our judge executive and the magistrates of BR County and all those who are entrusted to guard our political welfare may they be enabled by your powerful protection to discharge their duties with honesty and ability we likewise commend to your mercy all citizens of this County that we may be blessed in the knowledge and Sanctified in the observance of your holy law may we be preserved in Union and that peace which the world cannot give and after
- 1:14
enjoying the blessings of this life may we be admitted to those which are Eternal and may we all be a little idish today in honor of St Patrick the patron saint of Ireland ask this to Christ Our Lord amen amen amen yes today's Green Day I see a lot of green yeah thank you D okay we'll call me have call please Squire Armstrong Squire be Squire Greenwell judge Lucas Squire albite Squire Moore Squire hen here okay let the record reflect everyone's present the first item visit is approval of minutes of the February 17th 2025 record meeting I'll hand a motion to approve those minutes motion Square Armstrong or a second second squ H any questions hearing none take a squire Armstrong Squire be squ Greenwell yes judge Lucas square albite square Moore Square Henning yes this those minut approve next item is approval of minutes of the March 12th 2025 special call meeting I'll attend a motion to approve those I'll make a motion motion squ M or second second second Squire H any
- 2:27
questions hear none here vote please yes Square Greenwell judge Lucas Square albite yes Square Moore yes Square Henning yes Square Armstrong okay those minutes are approved next item excuse me is the transfers I attend a motion to approve transfers Squire Albright is there a second second Armstrong any questions the uh transfer to the jail what's that coming out out the out of the general Club but we uh I know that but just coming out transfer line yes that's our last yeah that's our last budget in amount okay okay any other questions hearing none take a vot please Squire Greenwell yes judge Lucas yes Squire Albright Square Moore Squire Henning Square Armstrong square B yes yes next item of the claims I'll a motion to approve claims I'm makeing a motion motion our M are second I'm second require Armstrong any questions I've got a question um there was
- 3:39
um trying to find it here um there was a claim for um I'm assuming that's part of the oo money the uh $10,000 yes did we not already have all of that allocated no no we got extra okay are you talking about for The Exodus house yes uh yeah they uh we did last year and this is this is for this fiscal year too so okay okay any other questions yall notice we got our first bill on our from y's lawyer that we hired there it wasn't $260 but we need to we need to watch even telephone calls and so forth like that they pick up and these lawyers charge for the telephone call any other question I don't I make a s oh you do okay okay I don't have that op hear another thing please Squire Albright yes Squire Moore Square Henning yes Squire Armstrong Squire Bon yes Square Greenwell yes judge Lucas okay first item no old business the first item new business is the
- 4:54
Kentucky Transportation rural secondary roads and we have a bunch of people here all right guys Bo are you the spokesman this morning good run a little behind this morning we didn't get to pass all these up in advance I pulled it off the internet so y Brad sent me all the information early judge Lucas of the FIS board my name is B waren I'm the branch manager for pdmp branch one thank you for letting us come present our real secondary program today with us today I've got Brad botoms He's our chief District engineer James peachum he's our ass engineer over bre count and Har Henderson main for we don't see much of him for someon I don't you don't see me everything's good that's good I'm he he's always he and I talk a whole lot it's good so begin with we'll remind you how the Ral secondary program is funded the program is funded by 22 .2% of the motor fuel's tax receipts These funds are allocated to all 120 counties based on a fiveo
- 6:07
formula that five point formula is 1/5 is equally shared among all counties 1 is based on the real population 1 is based on the county road miles and two is based on the land area so our our first priority is is always our routine maintenance of traffic and that priority is estimated at $98,900 for the upcoming year second priority is our County judge executive expense and that's estimated $3,875 and our uh our fourth priority is is a chip seal project on Protec 2199 from the Harden county line to Kentucky 333 at Mile Point 1364 for a total distance of 1364 miles and estimated cost of $50,000 our fifth priority here is ky 261 from Kentucky 259 it's an asphalt
- 7:20
resurfacing project at M 12.44 to K 1385 at Mile point 14579 for a total distance 2435 miles and estimated cost of $280,000 and our sixth priority is an asphalt researching project on Kentucky 690 from uh stop sign at Muk right angle curve mile 3.65 4 to muddy prong at mile 7.82 3 for a total distance of 4.67 miles and estimated cost of $375,000 and our seventh priority is a Gip seal project on 629 from the county line at mile point0 to tick rdge Road at Mile 4372 for total distance of 4372 mies an estimated cost of $140,000 and our last priority is a chips project on protected 110 from the inate maintenance at M 5345 Tak 59 at m point
- 8:32
6886 for distance of 1.51 miles and an estimated cost of 60,000 started on last year um 105 from Little Branch for at 992 do you think that'll be in the budget next year or is that too early to say will probably be in the budget next year yeah we had it on here but uh we decided to do some chip seal to kind of you know take care of on down the road okay just just curious I know there's plenty roads in bad shape that's one of my that's what we're trying to do is trying to incorporate some of Chip projects in to be able to cover more road miles got I guess you guys are aware of Highway 1740 being closed sir what's uh what's the repair on it look like something that comes out of this fund under the routine maintenance or the repair ultimately is going to be paid out of our fe1 funds and we're hoping to try to get some reimbursement from feema because of the flood damage we're we had a meeting with