Franklin County Fiscal Court approves audits, contracts and resolutions; tables jail policy until June 5

Judge Michael Mueller, County Judge/Executive, presided over the Franklin County Fiscal Court meeting on May 22, 2024. The court approved a package of routine fiscal and administrative measures, accepted two audit reports, approved contracts and resolutions, and postponed consideration of a new regional jail policy until its next meeting on June 5.

The meeting opened at 6:46 p.m., with roll call confirming the presence of Squire Sherry Sebastian, Squire J.W. Blackburn, Squire Kelly Dycus, Squire Mike Harrod, Squire Richard Tanner and Squire Eric Whisman. County Attorney Max Comley attended and video teleconference streaming was provided by the Frankfort Plant Board and the court’s official channels.

Squire Sherry Sebastian moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting held May 8, 2024; Squire Mike Harrod seconded and the motion carried with all members voting in favor. The court then voted unanimously to receive the U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds compliance examination for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, and to receive the Franklin County Fiscal Court audit report for the year ended June 30, 2023.

The court approved the County Clerk’s claim for calculation of motor vehicle and boat bills for 2024, and voted to table the proposed Franklin County Regional Jail Policy and Procedure until the June 5 court meeting after a motion by Squire Eric Whisman that was seconded by Squire Kelly Dycus.

Squire Kelly Dycus moved, seconded by Squire Mike Harrod, to approve a contract with the Franklin County Health Department for preventive services for county government employees, including firefighter physicals, effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025; the motion passed unanimously.

The court granted a utility easement to the Frankfort Plant Board through property at the Darby Shire Circle Fire Station. The easement motion, moved by Squire Mike Harrod and seconded by Squire Sherry Sebastian, passed on a 6–1 vote with Squire Eric Whisman recorded in opposition.

The court approved Resolution #20-2024 authorizing the filing of an application for the 2024–2025 Waste Tire Grant Program with the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, Division of Waste Management, and approved Resolution #21-2024 adopting and approving execution of a County Road Aid Coop Program contract with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Transportation Cabinet, Department of Rural and Municipal Aid for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. Both resolutions passed unanimously.

Squire Eric Whisman moved, seconded by Squire Mike Harrod, to appoint Jeffrey Billiter to the Franklin County Tax Assessment Board for a term ending December 31, 2026; the motion passed with all members voting in favor. The clerk gave a first reading of Amendment #4 to Ordinance #7-2023 relating to the fiscal year 2023–2024 budget; no final action was taken at first reading.

The treasurer’s report was received and, because no motion was offered to deny any claim, bills were ordered to be paid. The court adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Votes at a glance: the majority of routine approvals passed unanimously (7–0) unless noted below. Utility easement for Frankfort Plant Board: passed 6–1 (Squire Eric Whisman opposed). Jail policy: tabled to June 5, 2024. Appointment of Jeffrey Billiter to Tax Assessment Board: approved (unanimous).