Despite the rise in COVID-19 case numbers in Clinton and surrounding counties, as well as the state and nation, and the closing of all offices in the Clinton County Courthouse, as well as Albany City Hall, to in-person traffic, county business must go on.

Clinton Fiscal Court held its regular meeting at the courthouse last Thursday, November 19, with only a minimum number of officials required at the meeting, which was closed to the general public due to the pandemic.

The meeting, however, as has been the case the past several months, was streamed live via the county judge/executive’s Facebook page and several items of business were discussed and/or voted on.

After approving minutes from previous meetings, the court acknowledged receiving the treasurer’s report, including the monthly report, and voted to pay claims and bills.

The court, on separate motions, also approved three fairly large cash transfers, all from the Occupational Fund checking account to the following: $45,000 to the General Fund; $28,500 to the Jail Fund; and $56,500 to the Ambulance Fund checking accounts.

After approving election worker expenses, the court unanimously approved a 2020 budget amendment for the County Clerk’s office, as well as approving the 2020-21 fiscal year budget for the clerk’s office.

After approving second and final reading of a 2020-21 fiscal year budget amendment, two members were appointed by unanimous vote to three year terms to serve on the Extension District Board. Those members are Julie York and Nathan Stockton.

The court then approved a public notice and to appoint viewers for the process of closing a portion of the Upchurch Road in the 3rd Magisterial District.

There was one important item listed under “other business,” pertaining to the Transportation Cabinet’s fuel tax funding for road funds.

The court approved Resolution 2020-11-19-I which is listed as “Support to address the modernization of Kentucky’s Transportation Funding Mechanisms to address Transportation funding needs throughout the Commonwealth.”

The Resolution reads:

Whereas, all of Kentucky benefits from an interconnected, multi-modal transportation network that contains 57 airports, 2,600 freight rail miles, eight operating public river ports, a statewide transit network, more than 14,000 bridges, and nearly 80,000 center-line miles of roadways.

Whereas, safe, efficient transportation is deemed an essential public service provided to all Kentucky communities.

Whereas, all Kentucky communities depend on a safe, reliable transportation network to enhance economic development opportunities.

Whereas, all Kentuckians depend on the transportation network for access to education, health care, employment, and other necessities.

Whereas, since 2015, due to falling gas prices and reduced fuel tax revenues, state transportation funding dropped nearly $200 million per year.

Whereas, in Clinton County, our road funding has decreased from $781,359 in 2019 down to $685,460 (estimated) this year. (A $95,898.59 or 12 percent decrease.)

Whereas, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Kentucky’s road fund requires an additional $900 million per year to address current maintenance and construction needs.

Whereas, Kentucky’s airports, railroads, river ports and transit system require sustained, adequate investments for maintenance and improvements.

Whereas, Clinton County affirms and supports in the strongest terms House Resolution 826 filed by Representative Sal Santoro urging the Kentucky General Assembly to adequately fund transportation in the Commonwealth.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Clinton County Fiscal Court supports legislation to modernize Kentucky’s transportation funding mechanisms to increase existing sources of funding to generate revenues needed for maintenance and construction on all modes of transportation.

Be it further resolved that the Clinton County Fiscal Court strongly encourages the Kentucky General Assembly to act as soon as possible in the 2021 session to address all of Kentucky’s transportation funding needs to avoid further erosion to the transportation network.

A motion to approve the resolution as presented passed by unanimous vote.

The next regular meeting of Clinton Fiscal Court is scheduled for Thursday, December 17, at 5 p.m. and will most likely be streamed live on the Clinton County Judge/Executive’s Facebook page.