The Scott County Fiscal Court Held Its Regular Scheduled Meeting on Friday, August 10

The Scott County Fiscal Court held its regular scheduled meeting on Friday, August 10, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Judge Lusby called the meeting to order. Present were Magistrates Mr. Hughes, Mr. Lyons, Mr. Tackett, Mr. Parker, Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Prather, Mr. Livingston and County Attorney, Glenn Williams.

A motion was made by Mr. Hughes with a second by Mr. Lyons to approve Ruby Wess as acting Fiscal Court Clerk. Court voted unanimous.

A motion was made by Mr. Hoffman with a second by Mr. Lyons to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Court voted unanimous.

A motion was made by Mr. Tackett with a second by Mr. Hughes to approve the bills and following hand check: Lowes $972.05 (general). Mr. Parker recused himself from the Parks and Recreation bill(s) only. Court voted unanimous.

Scott County Clerk’s fees were presented for the month of July 2012 in the amount of $95,587.88.

Scott County Sheriff’s fees were presented for the month of July 2012 in the amount of $23,505.00.

County Attorney, Glenn Williams, read a proclamation to the Court commending retiring Firefighter Michael Washburn for 21 years of service and a job well done. The Court declared August 10, 2012 as Michael Washburn Day.

The Scott County Clerk has provided a certified true and accurate copy of the Scott County Board of Elections Certification of results for the Special Election Local Option Question held on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 for the City of Georgetown, KY. It was filed in the County Judge Executive Order Book 20 page 12 in the Scott County Clerk’s office on August 2, 2012.

Tim Jenkins, Scott County PVA Administrator, explained the Property Tax Rate Assessment process to the Court. Handouts entitled “Equalized Assessment Values on Property” spanning the years 2005 through 2012, “House Bill 44” and “What Is Tangible Property?” were referenced during the discussion. Mr. Jenkins stated that setting the tax rates is a relationship of opposites. When the gross value is up, the rates are down. When the gross value is down, the rates are up. Mr. Jenkins referred the Court to Mr. Matt Froelich with the State for a more detailed clarification of the tax calculation process. Property rates are assessed annually on January 1st each year.

The Gaines Road bid information is incomplete at this time.

Michael Humphrey, Operations Manager of the Scott County Detention Center informed the Court that Prime Coat Coating Systems of Waukegan, Illinois submitted the preferred bid of $37,576.89 for the shower improvement work that needs to be done at the jail. The new improvement should be durable over the next 15 to 16 years. Larry Covington is authorized to sign the contract. A motion was made by Mr. Hoffman with a second by Mr. Tackett to accept the bid made by Prime Coat Coating Systems. Court voted unanimous.

Larry Covington, Scott County Jailer, made an appeal to the Court regarding a need for increased staffing levels due to safety concerns. Video security camera updates, and video conferencing during inmate court appearances were suggested to help alleviate adding additional staff. Mr. Covington also expressed concerns to the Court that he is losing staff due to salary concerns. Mr. Livingston stated that management cannot be held hostage by employee pay raise requests. Jails are inherently unsafe. He asked Mr. Covington to provide the Court with a list of measures that may improve the safety concerns that the jail has, keeping in mind the Fiscal Court’s budgetary constraints.

Mr. Covington also asked the Court if retired detention center workers could be considered for rehire. The Court determined that due to the risk the employee faces of losing their retirement permanently, they should contact the retirement system before making a decision.

Mr. Prather stated that the Fiscal Court recently set the staffing levels for each department. Therefore, staffing levels should be adequate.

Judge Lusby informed the Court that the county will take advantage of the state’s tax incentive as agreed to on April 20, 2012. Toyota Motor Manufacturing is planning to add approximately 80 new jobs to their current status. The total estimated capital investment project will be in excess of $30,000.000 and the average wage will be $26.00 per hour. The County agreed to receive .5 of 1.0% for this incentive.

Mr. Hughes gave the court an update on the Interlocal Agreement meetings with the City. He stated that the EMS, Animal Control and Electrical Inspection agreements are being worked on. Mr. Prather added that the discussions are helpful and involved and the City has some decisions to make.

Glenn Williams, Scott County Attorney, asked that the Court go into Executive Session due to a personnel matter.

A motion was made by Mr. Lyons with a second by Mr. Hughes to adjourn for Executive Session pursuant to KRS 61.810 (1F) that is to discuss or hear things that might lead to the appointment, discipline, or dismissal of an individual employee, member, or student without restricting that employee’s, member’s, or student’s right to a public hearing if requested. Court voted unanimous.

A motion was made by Mr. Tackett with a second by Mr. Hughes to come out of Executive Session. Court voted unanimous. No action was taken.

Being no further business the meeting was adjourned.