Franklin County Fiscal Court approves contracts, grant applications and appointments in brief June 24 session

The Franklin County Fiscal Court on June 24 approved a broad set of motions covering contracts, grants and appointments, and authorized participation in a federal watershed program after convening at 8:47 p.m. with County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller presiding.

The court voted to approve amended minutes from its June 4 meeting. That motion passed with Squires Sherry Sebastian, J.W. Blackburn, Kelly Dycus, Mike Harrod, Richard Tanner and Judge Michael Mueller voting yes and Squire Eric Whisman voting no.

Among the other approvals, the court authorized donation of two Sheriff’s surplus vehicles; accepted the County Attorney’s 2024 excess fees; and approved an Order of Allowance to the Board of Assessment Appeals and County Clerk. The court also approved an amendment to a professional services agreement with ER Assist tied to work on the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program and separately authorized participation in the NRCS EWP program to purchase property from voluntary owners impacted by flooding and erosion, not to exceed $300,000.

The court approved a memorandum of understanding with the Franklin County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy and authorized an agreement with the Bluegrass Area Development District for assistance with the Opioid Abatement Program. It also approved Resolution No. 20‑2025 to apply for a Spay/Neuter Grant through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture on behalf of the Franklin County Humane Society, designating the County Judge/Executive to execute grant documents.

On public‑health and personnel matters, the Fiscal Court approved a one‑year contract with the Franklin County Health Department for preventative services covering county employees, including firefighter physicals, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The court later approved hiring Preston Swindell as a firefighter.

Other approved items included an interlocal agreement with multiple Kentucky counties for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act services; declaring the property identified as Tract 5B (67 Buena Vista Drive) surplus; and a professional services agreement with Stantec for engineering services related to the county’s Phase II MS4 stormwater permit state audit.

The court conducted first readings of two ordinances: one creating Chapter 94 (Special Events) and amending Chapter 110 (Occupational License Taxes) to establish a special‑event permit process and vendor license exception, and zoning map changes for parcels at 1373 Peaks Mill Road and 650 Evergreen Road.

The Treasurer’s Report was received and no motion was offered to deny claims; bills were ordered paid. The court approved multiple board appointments and reappointments, including Sherry Sebastian to the Resource Office of Social Ministries (term to June 30, 2027), Ralph W. Morris to the U.S. 60 Water District Board (term to Sept. 22, 2029), John Walker to the Franklin County Ethics Commission (term to June 23, 2029), and Lyda Phillips to the Ethics Commission (term to June 30, 2029). A motion appointing Danny Semones to the Frankfort/Franklin County Planning Commission passed despite a recorded opposition from Squire Eric Whisman.

The court voted to enter a closed session under KRS 61.810 (1)(c) and (f) for discussions concerning proposed or pending litigation and personnel matters, then voted to return to open session. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

The court’s actions were routine approvals and project authorizations; specific implementation steps and funding sources for several items (for example, the EWP purchases and certain construction change orders) were not detailed in the meeting record and are listed as not specified in the court minutes.