Clinton Fiscal Court, met earlier than usual for its monthly meeting and dealt with several issues last Wednesday, October 12. All members were on hand for the over one and-a-half hour session.

The court first voted to pay claims and bills and approved the monthly and quarterly treasurer’s reports, as well as fund transfers.

The court then discussed a proposed contract for an electrical inspector to service the Clinton County area, once South Kentucky RECC ceases providing that service to its customer area.

Jackie Spears, an inspector from Burkesville, working with Lake Cumberland Electrical Inspections LLC, is the person court members had earlier tabbed as being the best choice to do the inspections in the county. He was on hand at the meeting and briefly discussed his fees and other issues.

The court requested Spears present his fee schedule prior to next month’s meeting. Meanwhile, County Attorney Michael Rains is working on a contract, which the court feels may be on a one-year, renewal basis.

Phyllis Amonett of Amypss Billing Solutions, the local firm which handles billing for the local ambulance service, then addressed the court about the ambulance billing process. She also fielded several questions from magistrates about the billing process among other issues.

County Treasurer Dallas Sidwell noted that for the ambulance service to break even, it would have to generate at least $70,000 per month. Currently, the rate averages around $49,000.

(A separate article on the ambulance service’s financial condition, billing process, etc. can be found beginning on page 1 of this week’s Clinton County News.)

Judge/Executive Lyle Huff then informed the court that three bids had been received on the Hwy. 350 bridge repair project in the Cartwright Community near Stony Point Baptist Church.

All three bids were within $1,000 of each other, with Garrison Construction Company being the low bid of $177,989. Judge Huff said the criteria in the bidding process allowed him to negotiate with the low bidder on the project and he had gotten a bottom line figure from Garrison of $165,000.

A total of $120,000 is on hand from state road aid funds, meaning the county would have to put in the remaining $45,000 on the project from the road fund.

Some magistrates questioned whether or not the extra funds were available and the judge noted that it was, but that some more minor projects may have to wait.

Following a brief discussion, Magistrate Patty Guinn moved to accept the low bid on the project and proceed with construction, contingent on the county attorney reviewing the road aid fund agreement.

On a motion by Magistrate Ricky Craig, the court voted unanimously to approve second and final reading on the Magisterial Reapportionment Boundaries and Mapping that had been put together by the reapportionment committee–with assistance from the Lake Cumberland Area Development District.

The realignment of districts–by population only–is required after each 10-year U.S. Census period and in this case, will cause some changes in magisterial boundary lines, thus changes in where some local voters will cast ballots in future elections.

(A separate article on the magisterial reapportionment can be found beginning on page 1.)

After approving current tax rates, the court approved a resolution sought by the Lake Cumberland Health Department.

On a motion by Magistrate Charlotte Bernard the resolution approved was in support of requesting that the state reinstate Medicaid matching funds to the LCDHD. The state has recently ceased such Medicaid reimbursements to health districts, putting a financial burden on local health departments.

Another resolution approved, on a motion by Magistrate Willard Johnson, pertains to the county’s seeking a recycling center.

Although Judge Huff noted that at least three nearby property owners had voiced opposition to one possible location earlier discussed, and threatened with litigation, the motion to approve the resolution allowing the judge to proceed with seeking funding for a recycling project passed by unanimous vote.

In other business, the court:

* Voted to pay two workers $150 each to clean up the courthouse during the Foothills Festival.

* Discussed the employee Christmas dinner, with magistrates deciding to have a Christmas lunch instead, providing the food and paying for it out-of-pocket by the court members. A date for the event was not set last week.

* Upon contractor recommendations for repairs at the Community Center, Magistrate Mickey Riddle moved to accept the recommendations, including advertising for bids on two new gas furnaces.

* The court held a 20-minute closed session on personnel but took no action upon returning to open session.

* Announced that another special call meeting will be held Thursday, October 20 at 8:30 a.m. to approve second reading on a budget amendment.

The next regular meeting of Clinton Fiscal Court is scheduled for Thursday, November 17 at 5 p.m. in the judge/executive’s office and is open to the general public.