Magistrates OK budget with addition of $300,000 more in road repair funds

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio

Tuesday, May 2, 2017. 11 p.m. — The county’s fiscal year 2018 budget will have $300,000 more funding for road repairs and paving than last year’s budget.

From left, County Engineer Brad Spalding, Recreation Director Tyler Wimpsett and EMS Director Joe Prewitt listen to the magistrate’s discussion during Tuesday’s Nelson Fiscal Court meeting.

Judge Executive Dean Watts presented the county’s next budget for first reading at Tuesday’s meeting of Nelson Fiscal Court.

Watts said counties across the state have seen their road funding reduced by the Kentucky General Assembly, and after consulting with the magistrates, he moved some funding in the county budget and delayed some capital purchases to allow the magistrates to have additional asphalt money.

The county will delay the purchase of a dump truck for at least one year for a savings of $132,000. The rest of the additional money will be transferred from the occupational tax fund and the LGEA fund.

BULKY ITEM PICK UP. The countywide bulky item pickup has been completed, John Greenwell, the county’s solid waste coordinator told the court Tuesday morning.

The pickup collected 7,351 cubic yards of bulky items, which is more than 70 percent more than last year at a cost of $61,462.

The county used a landfill rolloff truck to lower the cost to haul the debris. The magistrates briefly discussed additional ways to lower the costs, which include manpower.

In other action, the fiscal court:

— approved a resolution for road work on Tom Greer Road.

— approved a bid for pressure washing the county’s office buildings.

— conducted an executive session related to a business expansion. No action was taken.

-30-