Knott County fiscal court approves grants, transfers and contracts; tables road-change ordinance

Knott County Fiscal Court approved a package of routine and recovery items at its regular meeting, including grant applications, transfers, budget amendments and contract awards, while tabling one road-change ordinance for re-advertisement.

Election equipment and state grant applications: County clerk Rishi Korny presented a resolution to apply for a House Bill 1 election-equipment grant through the Department for Local Government for up to $84,005.89 to purchase voting machines and authorize County Judge Executive Jeff Dobson to sign required documents; members described the program as a reimbursement (‘‘no cost’’) and approved the application by voice vote.

Disaster relief and FEMA work: The court authorized Douglas Field of Fugate to act as applicant agent and Josephine Short as an authorized representative for disaster-relief applications and federal assistance under the disaster-relief act. Members discussed how the applicant-agent role fits with the county’s longer-term recovery and emergency-management efforts.

Grants and MOAs: The court approved a memorandum of agreement reimbursing the Southern River Development District $9,787.50 from a Safe Streets grant. Several other grant resolutions and allocations were approved by voice vote.

Budget, transfers and claims: Finance staff reported on fund balances including the road fund, jail fund and LGEA fund and noted recent FEMA receipts; members approved December transfers, a February transfer preapproval and moved a first reading of a budget amendment (24-03). The court approved claims as presented.

Human Services Center repairs and contractor awards: Court members reviewed bids for HVAC and roofing work at the Human Services Center. After discussing scope, inspector oversight and warranties, the fiscal court awarded the low roofing bid to Sean's Roofing LLC and approved proceeding with contract execution and oversight procedures; HVAC quotes and other repair bids were discussed and will proceed within procurement and inspection processes.

Road ordinance tabled: A second-reading road-change ordinance was tabled to allow required public advertisement and additional analysis; the court will reintroduce the matter at a future meeting after the advertised notice is completed.

Public comment and meeting-time complaint: During discussion of an administrative code amendment on meeting times and winter-weather closures, the court read a citizen letter alleging the time change violated the Open Meetings Act. Court members said they would seek to ensure meeting times remain accessible to the public while balancing operational needs.

Adjournment: The court adjourned after routine business.