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The Jessamine County Fiscal Court held a regular meeting to approve budget amendments, bids, and several personnel changes. 

 

In old business, Judge Executive David West and magistrates approved the second readings for two budget amendments. These include $117,000 for the jail fund and $348,000 for the ambulance. 

 

In new business, the Fiscal Court began with approving personnel changes. The Court approved the following changes: The retirement of John B Carpenter, a promotion for Kristen Burnside for the County Attorney’s Office, and the hiring of Alex Griffey, Jordan Black, and Caitlyn Jeter as full-time telecommunicators for the Emergency 911 department. There was also a reappointment in the Jessamine South East Water District, which brought Lawrence Riley onto the team. 

 

Continuing new business, the Fiscal Court approved appropriations from Kentucky’s House of Representatives through House Bill 1. This bill moves General Fund monies to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund Account in fiscal years 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026 to various state agencies for miscellaneous projects and programs. The bill also appropriates Restricted Funds from the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund to pay for Criminal Justice Training and various State Police purchases. 

 

However, in this city meeting, only the former part of the bill is relevant. $300,000 is being appropriated to the county over the next two years, which the county will use on the next development phase of John Preece Park. The park will soon be home to a sports facility and a walking path, including amenities like bathrooms, concessions, and parking. This appropriation will also go towards the High Bridge Fire House Fund. 

 

The Court approved an extension for the Kentucky Storm Victim Relief Deadline regarding the thunderstorms and tornadoes that have left some Jessamine County residents with property damage. “The federal government will extend the deadline to apply for assistance for anybody who was affected by the recent storms. This is so that businesses that are taking advantage of that won’t have to file with us,” Judge West said.

 

Also, in relevant news, Central Kentucky Hauling (CKY)—the county’s waste disposal service—is being purchased by Republic. The Court approved a contract with Republic with no changes from the county’s contract with CKY. This comes after the Wilmore City Council decided to partner with Republic for its community waste disposal service. 

 

The Fiscal Court approved its final tax settlement for the Sheriff’s Office. “Let the record reflect that we have received the sheriff’s office property tax statement,” Judge West said. 

 

The Court also approved $50,000 for cybersecurity, including equipment and staff training.