At the March 10 meeting of the Metcalfe County Fiscal Court, the second reading of the occupational tax died when none of the magistrates agreed to a motion to move forward. However, the issue is far from settled.

Judge/Executive Harold Stilts read aloud the past year’s earnings and expenses month by month, and each month the ongoing balance was in excess of the income. For example, in July of 2019, $274,000 was earned while there were $310,000 in expenses.

“Each month the general fund is suffering, and this tax would help out with that. As you know, we did not come in with a clean slate. We have $5.5 million in obligations,” Stilts said.

He added that in the near future he planned to hold a work session with the magistrates and treasurer to go over the budget with a fine-tooth comb and cut unnecessary spending.

“Some things will have to be cut out without a raise in taxes, it won’t be pleasant, but it has to be done.”

He also stressed that if the tax increase was passed in the future it would not be earmarked for anything specific, but would be used as part of the general fund to pay bills and settle financial obligations. He also mentioned there are needs within the county not being met, such as maintenance done on county parks.

As part of the taxation discussion, local business owner Mark Parks, proprietor of Parks Panel Processing, asked to address the court.

Parks moved his business from Barren to Metcalfe a few years ago, and in doing so has extensively researched the ins and outs of tax law associated with local business requirements.

“I am not here to influence the vote one way or another,” Parks said. “But you are wanting to change the ordinance and increase the tax, but you are not following the ordinance as it is. I can show you where you are missing money.”

According to Parks, business owners who turn a profit owe the county a portion of their earnings. Of course, not all businesses do, but it was Parks’ assumption that no one is in place to hold the ones who are responsible for paying their portions to the county.

“You can all look this up on the internet,” he added.

“I should have stayed home today, I am busy, I should be at work. But I wouldn’t feel right about it. I would feel guilty knowing I owed the county something. I brought a check with me today because I want to do the right thing,” Parks said.

He presented the check, in the amount of $2,723.00 to the fiscal court.

“This is part of what businesses should look into and do when they move into the county,” Parks said.

Judge/Executive Stilts agreed that this was potential income for the county which was not necessarily being collected and thanked Parks for his information and check, but further stated that there was no one in place who could legally do so.

“You can’t make people do the right thing. There are people who will not pay,” Stilts said. “You are welcome to come here and address us anytime.”