Whitley County fiscal court approves budget amendment, contracts and proclaims high‑school baseball champions

The Whitley County Fiscal Court approved a series of routine financial items, service contracts and local projects and issued a proclamation honoring Whitley County High School’s 2023 KHSAA state baseball championship during its public meeting.

The court approved Ordinance 2023‑05, described by the presiding official as the annual surplus budget amendment, accepted the KRS end‑of‑year report for fiscal 2023 and consented to the treasurer’s settlement and publication of the auditors’ report in lieu of printing the longer treasurer’s document. Treasurer Nick Simpson described the end‑of‑year report as "pretty standard." The court approved the claims lists and monthly appropriation transfers by roll call.

Members also authorized several contracts: a reimbursable non‑recurring Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) project — $11,500 to pressure‑wash and clean the Judicial Center — and a renewal service agreement with Johnson Controls to maintain and inspect fire‑alarm panels at the Judicial Center for compliance with building and safety regulations. The court voted to enter an agreement with DLZ Architects & Engineering to design a 25‑by‑300‑foot open‑air fairgrounds structure (a clear‑span building without sides) intended to host horse shows, practices and fair events.

On public‑safety and services, the court approved a memorandum of agreement with Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College to offer EMT/paramedic classes locally and help staff county EMS amid regional shortages. The court accepted the Whitley County Detention Center annual report for July 2022–June 2023 and received the sheriff’s second‑quarter report; Sheriff Elliot did not attend due to a scheduling conflict.

The court accepted a reapportionment report prepared after the 2020 census; the presiding official said the commission’s proposed map complies with the statutory requirement of keeping magisterial districts within a 5% population variance and that the ordinance adopting the final map will be advertised and brought back next month for formal action.

The court approved closing an at‑grade railroad crossing on Howard Perkins Road after being told the railroad and state would preserve access for maintenance to a county water‑district master meter. A four‑year reappointment to the Whitley County Public Library Board of Trustees — to fill the term of Matthew Christopher — was approved, and the court adopted proposed employee pay rates as presented.

The meeting included a public comment from a resident, Mr. Perkins, requesting ditching on Runway Drive and Airport Road; the presiding official responded that ditching could be scheduled promptly, while paving would require more planning because of cost. The court also paused to recognize an American Heritage Girls group for community cleanup work.

In a widely attended portion of the meeting the court read a proclamation declaring 07/19/2023 as Whitley County Colonel Baseball Day, noting the Whitley County High School baseball team finished the season with a 39–4 record and won the 2023 KHSAA state championship. The court voted to request two Kentucky Transportation Cabinet county‑entry signs recognizing the state title.

With no further business the court adjourned.