Franklin County Fiscal Court accepts audit, approves grant application, renews lease and completes personnel moves

At its July 30 meeting the Franklin County Fiscal Court handled a series of administrative and financial items, receiving audits, approving grant applications, renewing a lease, and completing personnel actions.

Squire Mike Harrod moved, and Squire Sherry Sebastian seconded, that the court receive the Audit of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Settlement for the 2023 tax period (Sept. 1, 2023–Aug. 31, 2024); the motion passed unanimously. The transcript does not include audit findings or dollar amounts beyond the motion to receive the report.

The court approved a resolution authorizing application to the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for a Federal Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program grant (Resolution #23-2025). The motion to apply was moved by Squire Eric Whisman and seconded by Squire Kelly Dycus and passed unanimously.

Squire J.W. Blackburn moved to renew the lease with Buffalo Trace Properties, LLC for the livestock compost facility for Sept. 16, 2025, to Sept. 16, 2026; Squire Richard Tanner seconded. The renewal passed with one opposing vote from Squire Eric Whisman.

The court approved scope of work and fee proposal under the existing agreement with HMB for professional engineering services related to the US 460 Shared Path Project. Squire Kelly Dycus moved the approval and Squire Mike Harrod seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Financial administration items included approval of budget transfers for FY 2025–26 and receipt of the Treasurer’s Report; bills were ordered paid and no claim was denied during the session.

The court voted to enter closed session under KRS 61.810(1)(f) to discuss matters that might lead to appointment, discipline, or dismissal of an individual employee; after returning to open session the court approved hiring Jaiden Sullivan as a firefighter (motion passed with Squire J.W. Blackburn abstaining) and approved the transfer of Arnold Riddle to Light Equipment Operator/Driver with the road department effective Aug. 18, 2025. Motions to go into and return from closed session were moved and seconded by members of the court and passed by recorded votes.

The meeting also authorized surplus of several vehicles (sheriff’s and county), approval of amended minutes from July 16 and minutes from a July 23 special meeting, and adjourned at 7:31 p.m.

Next steps: the county will process the Byrne grant application through the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, proceed with lease and procurement paperwork, and complete personnel onboarding and transfers.