Woodford County Fiscal Court - Regular Meeting

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'll call this meeting in the Woodford County Fiscal Court to order. Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll? All right. I would ask Pastor Matt Merrill of Wesley Covenant to come up and offer our invocation. He also serves as a former magistrate on this honorable court and a great educator for many years. Thank you for coming.

Thank you, Judge. I appreciate it. Will you bow with me in prayer today? Heavenly Father, we come to you tonight and we thank you so much for the blessings of liberty. Lord, not only for the liberty that we have as citizens, Lord, we thank you for the liberty, Jesus, that you've given us, freeing us from sin and death. And so, Lord, tonight as we come to this chamber, we ask for your wisdom by the power of your Holy Spirit, that we ask for your guidance and your courage on the decisions that will be made tonight. Father, we ask most all for your blessings over our county, our city, our state, and our country, Lord. Father, it is in your mighty hands that we put all these things. Thank you for each one of these who give up time to serve us. whether they sit as elected officials or they are on the structure of our government. Thank you for them, Lord. Bless them, bless their families. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Amen. If you're able, please rise for the pledge. We're going to move on to the good of the county, the home of heroes, Woodford County. And tonight we are blessed and grateful to have a lot of heroes in the hallway. And Chief Rankin, if you would, I'd like to invite all of our guests into the courtroom. Please come in, gentlemen and ladies. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this indulgence. Thank you, members of our first response agencies, for coming to be here tonight. And thank you for your heroic work in our community in the Wilson's Pool Room Fire. We want to first start out by saying that Woodford County is grateful for all of our first responders, Woodford Fire, Versailles Fire, and all our supporting agencies. And we are also very grateful for our surrounding communities who sent your best and brightest to help us fight what was a truly tragic fire in our community. When the flames engulfed one of Woodford County's most cherished landmarks, the Wilson's Pool Room, these dedicated firefighters answered the call without hesitation. Through countless hours of tireless effort, under dangerous and exhausting conditions, in extreme heat, they demonstrated exceptional courage, unbelievable teamwork, and unparalleled professionalism while working to protect an entire city block, the surrounding businesses, and the lives of the residents and first responders who are working along their side. And thank God and the work of these brave heroes, there were no fatalities in the Wilson's pool room fire. Although our community suffered the heartbreaking loss of a beloved landmark, and there are people that are picking up the pieces of their lives, these heroes' swift and selfless actions prevented greater tragedy. They did what they were trained to do, they did it to the best of their ability, and they exemplified the highest traditions of fire service and professional service that all of our communities honor and commend today. So we want to start out by recognizing the Versailles Fire Department, Chief T.A. Rankin, Assistant Chief Fire Chief Brandon Brown, Battalion Chief Officer Max Davis, Fire Captains Brady Burkhart, Joshua Ritchie, Joshua Sloan, Firefighters Trenton Anderson, Joseph Bunker, James Cross II, Logan Epling, Sean Jackson, Matthew Noss, Kyle Pearson, John Pollard, David Stewart, James Taylor. Our part-time firefighters, Brian Arnett, Landon Heim, Steve Heisel, Dylan Isaacs, Colburn Jackson, Jason Jackson, Michael Jordan, Eddie Miller, Ian Newton, Braden Orbison, Michael Poole, Carson Reynolds, Chase Thomas, Victor Valdivia, Andrew Watts, Jacob Walford, and Joshua Zeef. And our volunteer firefighters, Winfrey Adkins, James Adkins Jr., Jeffrey Ahern, William Biff Baker Jr., William Phelps, Logan Vanover, and Christopher Wood. Thank you to the Versailles Fire Team. We are also blessed in Woodford County with a great county fire department as well, and we want to recognize Chief Melvin Montgomery, who could not be with us, but I did communicate with the chief. He really appreciates the recognition. Assistant Chief Terry Agee, Malcolm Collins, Captains Trevor Skipper, Raymond Slusher, Lieutenants Beecham Robbins, Eric Heisel, and Firefighters Jacob Rand, Kenneth Hagan, Brandon Rue, Cody Simpson, and Chris Krause. And we are so blessed and fortunate for the Bluegrass Emergency Response Team who initiated action immediately and came to downtown Versailles with haste to help us fight this amazing fire. And I want to recognize Jessamine County Emergency Management. We have their director here with us today. We had the Wilmore Fire Department, the Frankfort Fire Department, the Scott County Fire Department, the Anderson County Fire Department, and the Lexington Fire Department, all who joined us in the monumental effort to save downtown Versailles and save lives. So ladies and gentlemen, I want you to give it up to our heroes. This is what they do. Thank you. If I could take a moment, I'd like to ask Chief T.A. Rankin if you wouldn't mind just to say a few words on behalf of everybody.

Sure, Judge. Thank you. Thank you, Court. Thank you, Woodford County and Versailles residents. There was a lot of efforts that day that was an outpouring of support. like I've not seen in my career. I know the papers covered it. We've quoted it. We've been talking about it for weeks, but it truly was a testament to this community and the people who live here, the people who serve here, and also our partnerships with our neighbors and the relationships that we've built, the people long before me and the people long after me. There are significant relationships that have been built that are going to withstand the test of time and protect the people of this community. And I couldn't be prouder. A few that weren't mentioned that are in this room, Freeman Bailey and his efforts keeping our people safe. Drew Chandler was instrumental. All of our law enforcement officers, everybody in Woodford County showed up for the Wilsons and to support us. And we're just so proud to be a part of this community. I had to drag them in here because this is not what we like to do. You know that. These people don't need to be thanked for their service. They are servants at heart and just proud of them, proud of the County Fire Department. Just a great testament of the work and the effort and the training. It all paid off. Thank you, Josh.

Thank you. I do want to say that I had the opportunity to be down there to witness what was going on and it was harrowing at times. The incredible amount of heat that was on the street and in the fire. Guys were under intense pressure and heat and they really acted as one organism as one unit. And one of the most beautiful things that I saw is when the fire was over, when everything was done, when everybody else had moved on, everybody worked together to roll those hoses up. It was a team effort. And it's really inspiring to our community to see everybody working together, especially coming to our friends from across county lines coming in and serving and helping us. So we appreciate you, Chief Rankin. We appreciate Chief Montgomery and all the chiefs that are here. So if you're from other agencies, if you wouldn't mind, just raise your hand or say hello from other departments and agencies. I know I saw Jessamine County Emergency Management there. You want to say hello?

Go ahead.

Thank you.

Thank you for being here. Other folks? Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you all very much. So I'd like to take this opportunity to present you all with recognitions that we've done on behalf of the community and the fiscal court. And thank you all for being here. And thank you for all that you've done in our communities and what you do in your communities. Thank you all very much.

You got a line here? I was going to put my hand up for you.

Peace, love, and may!

There you go.

I can just about see everybody.

Thank you all so much. And for those of y'all not from Woodford County, this will be on the Woodford County, or Woodford's on Facebook.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, guys. We really appreciate you. James, thank you for coming over and helping us out.

Thank you members of the fiscal court and, uh, every, all of our guests for indulging us in that, uh, recognition. It was well-deserved on behalf of our community. We really appreciate everybody. Uh, heroes do walk amongst us and, you know, I want to say that the response to the Wilson's pool room fire was not only, uh, by our first responders, it was by their fellow downtown businesses, uh, folks like Goldie Singh and, uh, taking care of people, feeding people, all of the downtown businesses that came together, and all of the community that came out and supported. The Dotson Christmas in July charity raffle raised over $33,500 to support the survivors of the fire. And one of the things that I've been really emboldened and encouraged to see is that The survivors are, they are so grateful and thankful and they don't believe that they're worthy of this type of help. But we all know if we were in a fire, we sure would appreciate folks showing up for us. But they've made new relationships and met people that they may have never met. the firefighters came back in the days and weeks that followed the fire to help folks talk through the process, to help them get their belongings, and sometimes just to hug and shake a hand and say thanks. So out of tragedy, out of the midst of tragedy, we've seen a lot of compassion and humanity that shines through, and it shows why Woodford County is such a great place. So thank you all. Thank you all for that indulgence. I would like to now turn to a more somber moment. I'd like to take the opportunity, and I need to, while our folks are leaving there, I'm going to take a brief recess to give them that opportunity. Before I do that I'll ask for a moment of public comment. I know that Matt Merrill had a public comment that he'd like to share with the court and the public.

Hello again. Thank you for bringing me up here.

Again, as I looked at my calendar, I look at my calendar every Sunday evening and I get ready for the week. And as I saw that I was bringing the prayer today, I come to you tonight in compassion and love. And I'm going to look at you too who are running. Because I know where you're at right now. As I looked at my calendar, I realized that you are in a season right now. And I promise I will be brief. We Methodists are known for brevity and to the point. So I'll make this brief and to the point. I could not get away the last couple of days from the Lord saying, I have something you want to say, so say it. So I say, again, this in love and compassion. You are in a season right now and having probably been the only pastor in this community that has sat on the court and been where you are at and been where you are at running campaigns. I brought this word to remind you tonight. In Romans 13, one, it says this, let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. And here's what's important for you who are running and you who are sitting to know. Paul goes on to say this, For there is no authority except from God. And those that exist in authority are established by God. So in this election season of campaigning and going out, I bring you this word. This election season can be a season of temptation. And all of us being well-schooled in the American school system can fall into a unique American error. And that unique American error is that the campaign I run and my great campaigning that I've done wins the election. But that runs counter to what we've read in Romans, doesn't it? Because ultimately the authority that you've been given, the authority that I was given for a time, whether as a teacher or a squire or right now as a pastor, is given by God. In the weakness of this season, in trying to come into a seat or remain in a seat, that weakness can be manipulated by Satan as an opportunity to tempt. Tempt with promises. Tempt with self-promotion. Tempt with preservation of a position or the pursuit of a position. To do anything at all cost to stay in charge. Don't let this be an opportunity for that to happen. Don't let this be an opportunity for gossip. We know that one of the commandments is thou shalt not kill. But to gossip... in Hebrew context was murder because you were assailing somebody's character. And you are all people of character. You wanting to run, you wanting to serve the country, the county, you have shown yourself to be people of character. Don't be brokering privilege or catering to people that you may find useful. So here's how I'm going to end up today. I am praying for you in this season because I've been there and I know there's money on the line. There's seats on the line. But I'm praying that you remember this. The existence of your authority is established by God and there's nothing you can do when the votes are counted. The only thing you can do is to follow what Jesus commanded us to do. love your neighbor as yourself, and love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, and your mind. And remember this, you will sooner, and I think sooner, but definitely later, stand before God, the righteous judge, on a special docket. I stand here before you today. All of us who have been given authority and power will stand a special judgment. If Dante is correct, there's a special place in hell for politicians that ignore the truth. And I would that you not be in that. Remember this too, the third thing. God is no respecter of foolish contrivances of men that we in the United States call parties. So you know that I am not here as a Republican or a Democrat. And those of you that sat on the judge know where I'm at on my party affiliation. But I don't come for that because God is no respecter of foolishness. He is a respecter of how well his laws are observed and dispensed and how we bear the authority carried on his behalf. So know this season, I pray for you, I pray for the months that are ahead of grueling campaigning. Many of you will have this time to lose weight as you hit those streets. Judge, thank you so much for allowing me to speak this. And guys, I do love you, respect you, and have compassion for these next three months as you hit the trail hard. And may God's will be done. Thank you, court. Thank you, candidates. And thank you, those who are just in attendance for bearing this. Go with God, and I ask his blessing upon you. Amen.

Thank you. Thank you, Reverend Merrill. Thank you. Let me ask, are there other folks that wish to make a public comment this evening? Anybody wishing to make a public comment? I said, are there additional public comments?

I actually was beaten feet, but can I answer any of your questions? Because I am the guy with the scaffolding. So I will give a second if you would like to direct questions to me.

I don't think that we have any, and in public comment, we usually don't direct them back at the commenter. That is awesome. But if we have anything on the, I mean, to my knowledge, I think we're good. Okay, good. But we'll get with you. We know where to find you. You do. Thank you.

This is a short walk over there.

Yes, sir. See you. Thank you. I was having flashbacks of Woodford County High School there. Mr. Merrill was a great, great teacher. It's an honor to have him on the court. Have him serve and have him speak tonight. Thank you all. Are there other folks who would wish to make a public comment? Somebody wishing to address the court or the public? Seeing none. I would like to take a moment now to enter in a solemn moment to honor a great Woodford Countian. You all are all aware that we lost Mr. Gene Hornback this past week and When you look at our community, when you look at the great things that we have going on in this community, you realize that nothing happens by accident. It takes leadership. It takes a builder. It takes someone who brick by brick, home by home, decision by decision, commitment by commitment, and sacrifice by sacrifice. men and women of Woodford County of uncommon grit, devotion, integrity give back to this community. They serve in roles that are sometimes deemed lesser than this, but are often much more important. And today, Woodford County pauses as we lower our heads to give thanks to say goodbye to one of the finest builders this community has ever known, I didn't know his first name was Roscoe, but Roscoe Eugene, Gene Hornback. I had the opportunity to speak with Elaine Hornback just before this meeting. I shared with her that we were going to do a recognition of Gene, not only because he was a great man and a pillar of our community, but he was actively serving until his very last day. And Elaine said she wanted to first of all give a big hello and say hello to everyone for her. She didn't think that she could muster up the courage or the energy to come here to be here tonight. She has a long week of preparations with Jean's funeral. But she wanted to say hello and thank everybody for remembering and honoring Jean. And I told her that our community would continue to do that. And she shared that she believed that Jean had built his legacy long before he passed. There are many things in this community that will always be reminded of Gene. But Elaine is his partner in love and life and business for a remarkable 64 years, which would have been 65 this next week. But our prayers are to his son, Dr. Brett, to Dawn Marie, to Loney, his beloved grandchildren, the entire Hornback family. On behalf of our fiscal court, most if not all of us who knew Gene and appreciated him, We wrap our arms around the Hornback family and we share our appreciation for his over six decades of commitment to Woodford County. Gene's story is a quintessential American story, really. But above all, it's a Woodford County story. Before Gene was a cornerstone of our local real estate community, of our economic development, he was a soldier. He proudly wore the uniform of the United States Army and served in the historic 101st Airborne Division. Think about what it takes to be a paratrooper in the Screaming Eagles. The courage it takes to drop out of a plane, back when planes weren't as reliable as they are now. Gene carried that same fearless, duty-bound spirit with him every day after he took off that uniform. When Gene and Elaine came to Woodford County in the 1960s, they didn't just move here. They planted their roots. They joined St. Leo Catholic Church, where they raised their family and they fellowshiped. And they set out to make our county a better place to live for everyone. For 55 years through Hornback Realty, Gene didn't just sell property. If you bought a house through Gene, you knew it wasn't just a real estate transaction. He was helping young couples start their lives. He was helping farmers secure their heritage. He was welcoming newcomers to a place we call home. And he knew every road, every farm fence, every family in this entire county. And Gene's dedication went far beyond business. He was the longtime director of the Woodford County Economic Development Authority. He understood the delicate balance of Woodford County, how to foster jobs and growth while preserving our heritage, our beauty, and our charm. Gene Hornback was a quiet titan, a pillar of Versailles and Woodford County whose influence was woven into the fabric of our community. As he makes his final journey today and he goes to rest among his fellow fallen heroes at Camp Nelson here soon, we take comfort knowing that he lived a life in service to God, family, country, and county. I say that because Michael McAllison is the chair of the Woodford County EDA and And in just a few meetings ago, he went to Gene's assisted living home where he was living and being cared for. And he was on one of those last EDA meetings. Gene supported the EDA and all that we did. And he believed in its integrity. He believed in its values. And as the paratroopers have a famous motto in the 101st Airborne, that they have a rendezvous with destiny. Gene Hornback has a rendezvous with destiny as he meets our maker, his maker, and he does so with honor and grace and an unmatched devotion to our community. So to the great Gene Hornback, we thank you for your service to our nation and to Woodford County, making a better, stronger place. May he rest in peace, and may the love of the Lord comfort Elaine and the family in this difficult time. If we could offer a moment of silence in honor of the great Gene Hornback. Amen. Amen. Thank you all. Thank you for that indulgent members of the court and everyone who has joined us. Thank you all. We move on to the business of the court, the approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of July 14th or before you. Are there any additions or corrections of the minutes? Does anybody object to any of the minutes as presented? Seeing none, we approve the minutes without objection. I'll move on to committee reports. The ordinance committee met prior here, too, and we first looked at the proposed text amendment for Article 7, and we recommended that the full fiscal court... recommend the county attorney draft an ordinance relating to that text amendment for a vote and first reading on August 11th. This text amendment takes up several issues in our community, but one of the most important is the prohibition of data centers. That recommendation came unanimously from the ordinance committee, and I would recommend that it be approved by the fiscal court here. Is there a motion for saying?

Motion.

Motion by Squire Gill, second by Squire Blackford. Are there any questions or comments about the recommendation? Seeing none, all those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, nay. That motion carries unanimously. We also discussed our nuisance code enforcement ordinance, and those discussions began. You can watch that discussion. It's an important discussion, and we will continue working meetings through the ordinance committee on that topic. Perhaps most importantly, I couldn't think of something more important than the... data center's prohibition article 7 text amendment, but the ordinance committee recommended to the full fiscal court that we have the first reading of ordinance 2026-07 of general taxation for Woodford County at the rate of 3.9 as presented. And so the ordinance committee recommended unanimously that we adopt an ordinance lowering the tax rate for the county tax rate From 5.9 to 3.9. And I would just say that as a big part of that discussion, this fiscal court has been fiscally responsible with tax dollars. We work hard to be very accountable and responsible and conservative. And we've done that in a way that allows us to lower the property tax rate. And this, it will be the fourth time in five years that the fiscal court has lowered the property tax rate. That coincides, not coincidentally, with the increased assessment values of homes that are squeezing homeowners and families in many different ways. On top of the inflation and the rising gas prices and grocery prices and the concerns that each member of this court has heard from our constituents, we've moved forward with a budget that operates on less by returning taxpayers' dollars to our taxpayers through this tax cut. This ordinance is the mechanism in which we are doing that. But along with this ordinance, I believe the fiscal court supports the encouragement and request to our other taxing agencies that we would like them to look at not taking additional revenue in this next upcoming year. And one of the reasons being is we know that our schools were cut by nearly $3 million of state funding that put them in a very difficult financial position. If we work together as the fiscal courts with our cities and other taxing districts, the schools can hopefully achieve the amount of revenue they need to continue being a world-class educational system, and we can also lower the tax burden upon our citizens. That's our goal. That's what we've been doing in this fiscal court and the prior fiscal court each and every year. So it's with that context that I take the recommendation of the Ordinance Committee and I ask for a motion for the first reading of the General Order of Taxation 2026-7. Motion by Squire Gentry. Second by Squire Taylor. Are there any questions or comments thereon? Seeing none, all those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, nay. That motion carries unanimously. Madam Assistant County Attorney, please.

Yes, Judge. This is an ordinance of general taxation for the year 2026 in Woodford County, whereas the total assessment of all real property, including new property that is subject to ad valorem taxation within Woodford County, as of January 1, 2026, is $3,818,146,631, and whereas additionally the value of real estate for public service companies in the county is $23,977,583, whereas the tax rate of 3.90 is proposed for 2026 and would generate a county revenue of $1,000,000, $489,077.19 and would not require public hearing nor be subject to the recall vote. And whereas at this regular meeting, the fiscal court has moved to adopt that rate of $3.90 per $100 of assessed value for both real and personal property. Now, therefore, be it ordained by the fiscal court that there is hereby levied and imposed an ad valorem tax of $3.90 per $100 of assessed value of both real and personal property in Woodford County. and which is subject to general taxation, and that is otherwise dictated by adoption of this tax rate, and as established by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, tax rates are also levied and imposed at the rate of cents per $100 of assessed value on property in Woodford County as follows. Bank deposit rate .025, motor vehicle 9.4, watercraft 9.4. This being a first reading, second reading will be held on August 11, 2026. Thank you.

Madam Assistant County Attorney. The Committee of the Whole also met following that in order to look at the EWP buyout program. We reviewed the appraisals on 14 properties. And these properties are going through the multi-step due diligence phase of the USDA buyout program. And pending the acceptance by the USDA, the county will proceed to make offers for these 14 properties based on the appraised values. So we're moving forward with that. We are now waiting upon the USDA to get those properties back to us, and we will continue with that process. I did want to request, because some of these things come up in between our meetings, that we have the ability to approve any of the actions necessary to continue the buyout and move toward closing, that we allow those individual details to be approved by the fiscal court via email approval if necessary. Is there a motion along those lines? Motion. Motion by Squire Blackford. Second by Squire Gentry. Are there any questions thereon? Seeing none, all those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. And that motion carries. And that was the total sum of the business to come before the Committee of the Whole. So we move into our reports. I know we have some... guests with us today, and I want to get those folks taken care of. So our first report, I'm going to ask that the Community Household Pantry, you all are recognized to come up and make a report, and I believe a request to the fiscal court. Director Chandler, you want to lead the way there? Sure.

Judge, I'm here as a representative of the Woodford County Foundation, and the community household pantry has submitted a request or has a request in development to the foundation, but it's a little bit different than the foundation's typical model. So we want to receive the court's direction, explain the situation. I'll let Megan Hoover talk more about the pantry for anybody that's unfamiliar with it. The foundation actually meets tomorrow, so whatever you decide tonight, we can turn it around pretty quick if there's anything. So if you want any more buildup, it's just a little bit different delivery model than what the funds that have been appropriated to the foundation have been provided for in the past with direct assistance to individuals affected by emergencies and disasters.

Thank you, Director Chandler.

So our community household pantry was established in 2022 and since then we have served 2,096 individuals here in Wilshire County. Last month we had over 200 individual residents come to Purcell's Presbyterian Church where we are housed out of. We give hygiene and household products. Every family comes in and they get a basic bag. of shampoo, soap, toiletries, trash bags every single month. And then they get additional supplies of hygiene products, dish soap, diapers, laundry detergent, shaving cream, necessities that these families need in order to maintain employment, proper housing, kids in school. We have documentation that they have to fill out on their first visit. And we as volunteers go through, check off what they get. They have to sign off on their return. In return, they sign off when they get items. I sent everyone some emails with some additional information today, as well as a program distribution guidance to the items that we give out and the costs associated to each one of those items. Our family sizes range from family sizes of one. We have some families that are up to 12 individuals in our household. And a basic bag for a family five and under can range about $7.60. And then the additional items. A bag for a family of five is around $20 to $25 depending on if they get all of the items for everyone. And we do meet once a month, the second Thursday of every month, from 3.30 to 6 and distribute those.

We appreciate all that you're doing. You want to introduce your fellow guests with us, those that help serve the community?

So I'm Jack and Jan Webb, and they pack bags every month for us and help set up. He also packs bags, helps set up. They volunteer their time and distribute. Robin Espinosa, she gets out in the community, rallies information, talks to people about us. She is the forward face when they first walk in. She is the one who greets them, gets all their documentation together, helps them fill it out. We have bilingual volunteers so that we can assist in our Hispanic community here in Woodford County. We also work with all the FRCs. We work with Isaiah House. We assist the Methodist Church with their diaper drive. So we assist the multiple facets of the community.

Thank you. Thank you. And... So, Director Chandler, the specific request of the court is, can you elaborate that?

Yes. Megan's group has requested some financial assistance from the foundation and we think that, and I'm speaking for myself, I think there is the capability to support that. The foundation, in your most recent appropriation though, has some accountability and and there is not concern but if we release those funds in a sub-recipient model i have no doubt about the community household pantry they've got great data to back up everything they've got good procedures in place but the foundation will be relinquishing control of that reportability back to the court And because it's a different service model, the foundation really would just prefer to get some direction before we transition into that model, and then specifically to enable the foundation to use the funds that you've appropriated to support the community household pantry.

Thank you for that. Let me ask members of the court, do you all have any questions or comments regarding the presentation and requests from... Drew Chandler in the Household Community Pantry. Yes, Squire Taylor.

I just, I have the utmost confidence in your all's work. I had the opportunity to tour your all's facility and your work and I appreciate your all's willingness to show that to me in the past and you all make a big difference for a lot of folks, more folks than I wish you had to. And I'm grateful for your all's work and I think this is a great utilization of our funds.

And we really appreciate you all joining us, coming here. The one thing that I think this fiscal court has seen up close and personal is the increase in growing need in our community.

Sir, I'm familiar with the household pantry, and it's a different need, but it is a need. It's different than the food pantry, but it is a need in the community, and they service a lot of folks that are in need.

Squire Blackford.

I want to ditto what Squire Varner said. Also, I was talking to you, I guess, a couple weeks ago, and they have a need because they are not receiving a whole lot of help at this time.

We do not qualify for federal or state grants. We have checked into that. Unfortunately, because we do not do, we don't help with grants, we don't help with utilities, and we don't primarily, if someone donates food, we will put it out. But we do not It's not our mission. And those are what the state and the federal government are considered necessities. So we work on the generosity of churches, other organizations, businesses, and individuals in town to fund us. And when we started in September of 22, The pastor at Versace Presbyterian Church after COVID brought all of the nonprofits together along with the chamber. And we all sat down and said, what do we have here in Woodford County? What's being duplicated and what's left? And prior to COVID, myself, Jack, Jan, and Robin with 99 for One Church had a warming center open. And the household and hygiene items were something that we delivered there. And once COVID hit, that was a need that was left unfilled. And that's where this came out of.

Thank you. Squire Blackford, anything additional? Squire Gill? Thank you. So would it be good with everyone that we... So our... allocations from the budget to the Woodford Foundation are always done in a resolution format. I think that there are some other requests for our general welfare and other needs that we're helping serve in the community. In anticipation of some of the increasing needs in our budget, we have budgeted to help folks in a way that we haven't in the past. And so I think that you all would qualify, should the fiscal court agree to that. I would ask that we prepare a resolution for the fiscal court, work with you on what that need is, and pass that at our August 11th meeting, if that would be all right.

So just to clarify, it is not the court's ideal for the foundation to get into a subrecipient model, but you all would work to add the community household pantry as a direct recipient like the foundation is?

We could move to a direct recipient if that would be a preferred way to do that.

That's perfectly fine.

I'm sorry, Judge. I misunderstood your original statement. I apologize.

Well, so, you know, we have the resolution that is currently intact that is funding the Woodford Foundation. I think we could do it either way. But I think we would need a resolution in order to communicate with the accountability and all those sort of things. But I think I'll just take a general motion for the fiscal court to include the community household pantry in the resolution that moves forward on August 11th. Motion. Motion, Ms. Quire Blackford. Second, Ms. Quire Varner. All those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, nay. That motion carries. Thank you for that direction. Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you all for joining us. And thank you for what you do in our community. We appreciate it. All right. I do also have further down our list, but I want to be respectful of their time. We have folks from the Equal Justice Initiative, the historic marker for Richard James, who has lynched in Woodford County. We have Micah Lynn and Milan Bush. who are joining us, and I will turn the floor over to you all.

Do you mind to turn on the mic, Micah?

Oh, yes.

Thank you, sir. I'm Micah Lynn. This is Milan Bush. We're both representatives with the Woodburg County Remembrance Coalition, and our coalition is requesting the use of the Woodburg County Courthouse Annex for a historical marker honoring Richard James. For some context, the Equal Justice Initiative has been working with different county coalitions since 2015 in what they call the Community Remembrance Project. And their goal is to sponsor markers, different educational programs, and solar collection ceremonies. They hold in Montgomery, Alabama, where they're based out of a lynching memorial and also a museum known as the Legacy Museum. So we have put together a coalition here in Woodford County consisting of the Woodford Sun, the Midway Museum, the Woodford County NAACP, the Ministerial Association, Troy Presbyterian, and the Friends of Huntertown Community Park. And our coalition has been working to secure a proper place for a marker honoring Richard James. Richard James was lynched from the courthouse annex when it was the Woodford County Jail back in 1921. Our coalition started its work with a ceremony at Richard James's gravesite at the Sons and Daughters Cemetery in Midway, Sons and Daughters of Relief Cemetery in Midway, and we have been building up to this marker. Our request now is to move forward with the approval. We have had one step of the approval from the circuit court judge, Jeremy Maddox, who approved it on behalf of the circuit court, who is the tenant of the courthouse annex. And now we need to secure approval for marker installation. It's fully funded by the Equal Justice Initiative. Once approval has been granted, they will move forward with research and shipping the marker. And we are hoping to secure the marker and have a ceremony on March 13, 2027, which is the 106th anniversary of Richard James' lynching. And then we will join other Kentucky communities that have place markers, such as Lexington, Frankfort, Shelbyville, Wayland, Mount Sterling, and Owensboro. And that's our request.

Thank you, Micah. Milan, did you have anything to add?

Can you wrap it up, please?

Thank you, thank you. Well, I want to share that both Micah and Milan have been working on this project for some time. They've been very diligent. They've gone through the process. And as Micah explained, the Woodford County Annex is owned by the fiscal court, and it is leased to our administrative office of the courts for all of our judicial functions. And therefore... It creates more steps in this process. But the Administrative Office of the Courts in general has approved this marker. And Chief Judge Jeremy Maddox has specifically approved and allowed this marker. And so we've worked with Rick Wade. We've informed all of the judicial employees, the prosecutors, the judges, their staff that we're looking at doing this. And everybody has generally been in favor. And so the next step is for the fiscal court to approve this marker. And Director Wade and I have discussed with Mike and Milan and some other folks as well that if you're looking at the courthouse annex from the back of the courthouse, it would be on the right side, which would make it prominent for those who would be coming in Court Street where they could see it. And it would be marked there to reflect the place of the former jail, where the jail was in Woodford County. And I think I've said all that correctly, Micah? Correctly. Yes. So if it be the will of the Woodford County Fiscal Court, I would entertain a motion to approve the request for the Equal Justice Initiative and to allow Woodford County Maintenance and the Judge Executive's Office to work with the Administrative Office of the Courts to continue the process and approve this marker to continue on down the line.

Motion.

Second. Motion by Squire Gill. Second by Squire Taylor. I'd open up the floor for any questions or discussion of the court.

Thank you all for your work. Thank you. Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you.

All right. All those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye. Aye.

Aye. All those opposed, nay.

And that motion carries unanimously. Thank you very much. Thank you all. You are more than welcome to be excused. All right. We continue to move on with the business of the court. We have a pretty good-sized agenda, but we will move through it expeditiously. I want to continue our reports of agencies, and I would start with the treasurer. Madam Treasurer, your report, please.

Tonight's balance is $10,478,527.15. Are there any questions? Any questions? Seeing none, I know that you have a couple of action items. I do. So at the last meeting, I asked for an exemption for our USDA buyout funds so that we could get that process moving. I forgot about our ARPA funds that have to be spent by December 31st. So we will need to send another letter to DLG asking for an exemption from the 6535 rule for those ARPA funds.

So in the election years, there is a rule that you cannot spend more than 65% of any full fund, the ARPA funds being a large grant fund and being over $3 million. and it has to be spent by law, and therefore the federal government requirements are that we do that. So we do need to submit a request from the Department of Local Government for an exemption of that rule for the disbursements of the ARPA fund specifically for the broadband internet project. So I need a motion to authorize the judge executive to sign and submit a letter on behalf of the fiscal court to DLG requesting the exemption for same. Motion. Motion by Squire Taylor, second by Squire Carl. I'll move the floor for any discussions or questions. Seeing none, all those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, nay. And the motion carries.

The next item is unclaimed property claim forms that we received for EMS. They came from the State Treasurer's Office and it's $1,900, $1,930 to be exact, that we would be receiving in those unclaimed properties. So I just needed a motion to submit those on behalf of EMS so we can receive those funds.

I need a motion to authorize the treasurer to sign and execute Smith claims to the Kentucky State Treasury unclaimed property division for the EMS funds as presented. Motion by Squire Carl. Second by Squire Gill. I just want to say that we had the opportunity to have Kentucky State Treasurer Mark Metcalf in the courthouse and he had his team here and they helped people get unclaimed property. property which is your money just sitting there for the state government to hold so we appreciate them doing that here and we also appreciate the treasurer seeking and tracking down our own taxpayer funds to return to us lastly well i need to take a vote i'm sorry there's a motion all those in favor please vote and signify by saying aye aye all those opposed nay the motion carries i'm the only one that can skip a vote around here I do it often.

We have our budget amendment. It's the budget amendment we do every year to adjust carryover based from what we budget versus actual. I will need a motion for that as well.

Fair motion for they have the first reading ordinance 2026-6 budget amendment number one as presented.

Motion.

Motion by Squire Carl, second by Squire Gill. All those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye. All those opposed nay. That motion carries. Madam Assistant Secretary.

We have an ordinance relating to the fiscal year 26-27 annual budget and amendment thereof, whereas the County Fiscal Court has realized unbudgeted receipts from the following funds. The budget for fiscal year 26-27 is amended to increase the receipts of the following funds to include unbudgeted receipts from the general fund, prior year carryovers, the road funds, prior year carryovers, jail, prior year carryovers, state grants, federal grants, disaster emergency services, flood services, opioid abatement, settlement funds, sheriff's asset forfeiture, county clerk, storage fees, American Rescue Plan Act, and debt services. All of those total funds which were due to carryovers is $4,469,007.93. and also then appropriations in the same amount to the same categories, general, road, jail, state grants, federal grants, disaster emergency services, flood services, opioid abatement, sheriff's asset, forfeiture, county clerk storage fees, and the American Rescue Plan Act and debt service in the like amount of $4,469,007.93. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Is that the sum of your report, Madam Treasurer? Thank you very much. EMS, Director Bailey, I will go ahead and take care of your contract renewal for the Compass Center for Mental Health Services. I need a motion to approve that contract renewal. Motion by Squire Taylor, second by Squire Blackford. Are there any questions thereon? Seeing none, all those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, nay. And that motion carries. Director Bailey, you want to talk about the ASAP request?

Thank you, Judge. I want to start out apologizing for the late notice dropping the request from the ASAP board to you all tonight. We have found that our net recovery device that we've been using is working extremely well, and we have used all the ones that we have, so we no longer have any in reserve for people when they come in. to the Isaiah House or to the detention center. So the Whitford County ASAP Board has requested that we ask the court to approve purchasing three more devices and we're going to be asking the city to do the same to where we can have six devices. I've also included on y'all's workstations the recovery worksheet that shows all the devices that have been used. We only had four of those, but you'll notice there's six. The net recovery is also working with us because they went ahead and treated two people that was not on that list, that had not been approved, and they absorbed that cost theirself. They did not charge us for doing that. They wanted to be team partners, and they went ahead and did that. So we're trying to go ahead and have some of these devices on hand to where when people come in, because we all know that when somebody's dealing with a drug addiction that the best time to treat them is when they're ready when they say I need help and this process is necessary so we're asking for permission to use the abatement money to purchase three more of these devices and we're going to ask the city for the same thing these are funds that would be expended using the opiate settlement funds

And so we need to make sure that our motions are accurate and correct. So the first would be upon the recommendation of the Woodford County Agency of Substance Abuse Policy that we split the cost of total funding for $33,000 for net recovery devices through the fiscal court. I need a motion, general motion thereon.

Motion.

Motion by Squire Blackford, second by Squire Carl. Are there any questions of Director Bailey on the request? Seeing none, all those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. That motion carries. And so the total amount would be $16,500, is that correct? That's correct. So I would request an allocation and appropriation of $16,500 of opiate settlement funds to be allocated and expended for the purpose of net recovery devices pursuant to the recommendation of the ASAP Board in line with the Opiate Settlement Fund rules. Motion. Motion, Ms. Squire-Taylor. Second. Second, Ms. Squire-Gill. Are there any questions? Seeing none, all those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. And Madam Treasurer, do you need any additional motions thereon?

Seeing none.

I think we've met the requirements.

All right. Thank you, Director Bailey. Thank you.

Do you have anything additional?

The only thing that I can clarify for some of you, because I've had a couple of you ask me when you were looking at your report, the WWS with the percentage out behind that, what that is standing for is After they have received treatment, how do they rate their withdrawal symptoms and their desire for drugs? And if you notice on there, we had three of them that was 100%. That means they no longer had any withdrawal symptoms or any desire for the drugs. The one that's 93% was very well. We had one at 80%. But the one at 56%, they were able, by interview process, to determine that that was a different type of drug that they had used that was not an opioid, and that's why it didn't have 100% coverage, but it still cut them quite a bit. So the devices are working, and we just wanted to be able to give you a report from this, and you'll get these reports on a regular basis now.

Thank you, Director Bailey. And I just want to make one other note that the county has received a significant amount of settlement funds, as has the city, as have many other counties and cities in Kentucky. But there was a time, particularly prior to the current Attorney General's administration, where they were very, very strict and stringent on their implementation of the rules and they emphasize that if you misuse these funds that they would take every dollar back away from you and make you pay anything that you spent that was inaccurate or wrong. They really did a chilling effect on the spending of this money, and that's a part of that story that's not being told. But let me give an example. This net recovery device, which we know has worked in Scott County before us, it's worked in our jails. We've seen it firsthand. We are beginning to really believe in this and use in this more effectively. The Opiate Abatement Commission does not give you an assurance that this use of the funds is applicable. As a lawyer, they do very good legal speak, like it's pretty much good, but it's not for sure. And I would just say as an editorial comment, they need to approve things like this that are saving lives, and they need to make it without hesitation that counties can spend these monies for these resources.

Yes, because this advice can be used anywhere across the nation, and it is proven to work. Every agency is out there, and there's numerous of these individuals that are Woodford County that could come tell you how well it's worked for them that they are drug-free at this point. So it's another good tool to have in the toolbox. So the ASAP board wants to thank you all for approving this.

Thank you. And I would also say that the Opioid Abatement Substance Abuse Coordinator position that the city and the county have jointly agreed to fund is in the interview process. I think they had over 60-some applications.

Sixty-some applicants, and it's just narrowing them down to the right ones, and they are doing a very good job at that because they want somebody that has lived this, that's been there and done that.

Thank you, Director.

Also, I want to thank the city and the county government for supporting this device and thank God for the success of those who have tried it. It's working for them. It definitely makes a difference.

Thank you, Squire Blackford. And I want to also thank the ASAP agency. It's an agency of experts who live and work in this field every day and they make these recommendations to us so that we don't have to have guesswork or wonder what's good or applicable and i really want to thank nancy blackford the coordinator asap who worked so hard to keep the asap doing its mission and helping serve people in addiction i also want to thank jailer rankin who is on the front lines of dealing with addiction in our community our jails are where it happens most often and first and she is doing the best she can to help people get them treatment and recovery and support. And so she's doing a great job and we appreciate her. Yes, sir. Thank you, Director Bailey. Yes. Now we would ask the Huntertown Community Interpretive Park Project Director Rich Pichter and Sue Finney to come up.

Yes, we're just asking the Huntertown Community Park as part of the what I call the big projects, which started with Big Spring Park has moved on to the turf. One of those projects we identified was the paving of the walking path at Huntertown Community Park. So that was in the process in that project list. We immediately applied for the recreational trailer grant. We found out last week we were awarded that grant. We also We applied for the, if you know, the grant grant through the state of Kentucky, and we awarded that about this time last year. What that does is it covers the fiscal court and city council's parts of their matching funds towards that. So all we're asking at this time is that the court approve Judge Kaye to sign any and all documents awarding that $200,000 grant to Woodford County so we could start the process. I will urge everybody to understand that this is a federal grant much like the land and water grant that we applied for in 2022 and just started in 26. So this is not going to happen overnight. Best case scenario, maybe a year from now or thereabouts, we're talking about it. So it does take a little bit of time. It has to go through Federal Highway Department and some other departments. But this will be the first step to getting that walking path paved out there.

Thank you. Upon the recommendation of Parks and Recreation and the Huntertown Community Interpretive Park, I would entertain a motion to authorize the signature and execution of a recreational trails grant program approval letter and all other approval documents presented by the Director of Parks and Recreation and Huntertown Community Interpretive Parks for the Accessible Trails Project. Motion. Motion by Squire Taylor. Second by Squire Gill. Are there any questions there on? Squire Gill, you're recognized.

I just want to say that Sue Finney is 100% responsible for getting this grant over the line. There was so much back and forth and paperwork and resubmission of paperwork, and she did all of it. So thank you, Sue. I agree. Yeah, Kenneth helped you.

Now, how much percentage would you attribute to Kenneth? Can you go half? A half a percent? That's from me.

She didn't give a number, did she?

No.

My guess is he probably made you go through the process and question some of your decisions as if maybe playing a devil's advocate.

It was Kenneth's department, let's say that. A great group of employees. Yes, he has a wonderful group of employees. Also, if you've been out to Huntertown Park recently, you've noticed that the pavilion project is underway. We're finalizing the colors were picked out and the other things are on order and they should be coming in soon. And so you'll see some concrete work being done in the next week or so as that project moves along and we hope to be completed here sometime this fall on that. And the turf projects, all turf fields are now open. Lights are all working. They're not officially done yet. We still have a little transformation thing to do on the lighting, but they are working for their purposes, but they're not officially turned over at this time. But all projects are moving forward. So we are getting to the end of the projects, and this Huntertown paving path will be one of the last ones, as it was scheduled to be.

And we appreciate all your work on that. Director Pichter and everything you do, Sue, you could have come up here for, I think, a couple other presentations as well. Thanks for all you do. But I want to also say that I want to commend the fiscal court. We are able to fund those projects, the turf projects and the parks projects, in cash. Many communities would have had to bond that debt. We have historically low debt. We are able to pay cash, and that's a testament to the fiscal management of this court. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you. Next up, we have a bittersweet report, but it is our solid waste and recycling update from our director, Sherry McDaniel.

I will be retiring as of September 1, so my last day will be August 31. I do want to say I thank you. I thank this court and I thank Judge Kaye for all the support of all our endeavors that you all have supported us. I am so proud of the team of employees alongside with Joe Gerard who have made that facility. It is the best in the state, and I'm so sure it will continue to be the best in the state. I know you guys will continue to support it, and it will just continue to be the best. So I will miss it. It's been the best job, best ride, but it's time for me to... go. So that's all I have.

Director McDaniel, thank you so much. Thank you for your service and commitment and career that you've dedicated to Woodford County and the Recycling Solid Waste Center. As a brand new judge executive who was getting my feet under me, I know that we met early on about what was going out there and you were one of the agencies that I was not concerned about. You had everything headed in the right direction and a well-run machine out there. And so I really, really appreciate it. It's been a pleasure and an honor to work alongside you for the county.

Thank you all. Thank you.

Applause Applause Applause Applause Applause And if you know Sherry, which we all do, she did not want to do that or happen to do that.

Laughter Laughter

But that's how we do these things to recognize and honor employees and their hard work. And so we'll look forward to a reception soon. But we do have the bittersweet requirement that we move to open and advertise the position for the hiring process for the solid waste and recycling director position. Motion. Motion by Squire Taylor. Second by Squire Gentry. Are there questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. That motion carries. And Sherry, you're more than welcome to be excused. She's already taken over. That's all right. No, thank you all. Thank you all. You too, Joe. All right. As we continue to move through this large agenda, I'll move to the general orders in the unfinished business. I do not have a board appointment for anyone this evening. The claims, the bills to be paid, are before you. Are there any questions or comments on any of the bills to be paid? Secretary Varner, you're recognized, sir.

Yes, good. Over here on the 12-127-78, the angle iron for the stage, I know we were 50-50 on that stage with the city. Are we going to bill them for half of that?

I need to clarify that. Director Johns, I know you're integral in the stage process. Would you mind to just explain the stage process? There were two stages, and I'll let Director Johns explain that.

The stage that we purchased from Granite, I don't remember the name of the company, in Ohio, we did half with the city. It was a platform stage, portable stage with barricade. the stage that we used in front of the courthouse for the parade was just purchased by the county. Rick Hartley and the maintenance guys built that out, right? And that angle iron was used as part of that stage for it to be locked together. That's what that was for.

I guess my question is, where is our new stage?

The new stage is in the trailer. We were using it for the Fourth of July. We couldn't use them in both places, so we built one out there. No, the new stage worked great for the Fourth of July. The band loved it. It fit under the tent we rented and all.

Well, that wasn't clarified. That's the reason I asked.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. That was not part of that stage.

Thank you. Thank you, Squire Varner. Are you good to proceed with the bill as presented?

Can I ask a question?

Squire Gill, you're recognized.

Thank you. There's a charge from Rumpke that's recurring for flood event dumpsters. The federal government stopped reimbursing us in December, and I recall a discussion back in April that they were going to stop that, but it's still going on. We've paid another... $10,720 in dumpsters for Clifton and Shore Acres since April. So I was just wondering what the status of that was, how long they're going to be there.

Yeah, Sherry and Joe left right before that, didn't they? Yes. So we have given a commitment to the flood communities that we would be there for them when until they are able to rebuild. That's part of this process. I know Squire Gentry and I have had multiple discussions about when's the opportunity and the best time to remove those dumpsters, but we do know that people are rebuilding and doing the process of renovating flood homes still to this day, and we haven't even done any buyout programs. But I would recognize, Director Chandler, if you wanted to discuss that in any additional capacity.

We do know that there are some property owners that have been waiting on a buyout that reached a point that they can't wait any longer. So they've started renovations even this far removed from the flood. I don't think it's a secret that people have abused the dumpsters. So either way, I don't have a recommendation for you. There are alternatives, property owners that are doing renovations. We could coordinate a right-of-way pickup just through a simple scheduling process. We can work with solid waste and recycling to allow for those people to transport either themselves or a contractor to take it to the solid waste and recycling center. Either way there's going to be a dumpster fee whether the dumpster is in those neighborhoods or if it's brought up to our solid waste and recycling center. We did ask for an extension on the December 31st. FEMA calls it a period of performance and that December 31st was originally an extension even to get to that date. They turned us down, but we have an appeal that we haven't exhausted yet that we're going to ask based on Joe and Sherry's input through April the 30th. So it's not completely off the table yet that we can submit those expenses to FEMA. But as of now, December 31st was the last date that we were allowed to turn in.

And Director Shannon, let me just clarify one of your statements. You said there's no secret that it's been abused. I mean, we don't have 24-hour surveillance on the dumpsters, and so we know that maybe there is some illegal dumping. But there is some benefit that they're not illegally dumping on the end of Patterson Lane or other areas of the county. The other thing is these are in neighborhoods. I mean, Alex Cheeks lives right across from the dumpster in Lower Clifton. In Old Clifton and the other areas, I got a call on July 15th about somebody starting a renovation. Could they use that dumpster? Absolutely. You're a flood survivor. That's what you can do. So the reason that we've kept them this long is our commitment to the flood survivors. If it's something that we do not want to continue to authorize, then anybody is free to make a motion at this point in time. Seeing no motion, do you have an issue with the bill list?

No. You asked for another comment, and I just said if it's more economical to do the right-of-way pickup or to give them a pass at solid waste for dumping, if it's more economical to do that, I would prefer to do that instead of leaving dumpsters down there all the time, whatever is the most cost-effective.

I think our dumpster service is a fixed rate. Turn on your mic there. Sorry, Judge. The dumpster is a competitively bid process, and it doesn't matter whether it's in the neighborhood or solid waste and recycling. They don't charge us any differently.

So I will have Director Chandler and Sherry and Joe at Solid Waste and Recycling have a report for the court on August 11th, and you all can make a decision on how to move forward But do you have an issue on the bill list as it presented? All right. Thank you. Are there any other questions or comments about any of the bills to be paid? Most importantly, are there any objections to paying any of the bills as presented? Seeing no objection, I'll approve the bills to be paid without objection. We must also approve the claim of the Kentucky Uniforms, Inc. in the amount of $809.75 for the Sheriff's Office using asset forfeiture funds. So moved. Mayor Varner, seconded by Squire Carl. All those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. That motion carries. We need to approve the transfers as presented. Is there a motion? Motion. Motion by Squire Carl, seconded by Squire Blackford. All those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. That motion carries. You have a personnel order. I need approval of same. Motion by Squire Gentry. Second by Squire Carl. All those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed? Motion carries. We do need to approve the supplemental agreement number three for the right-of-way phase of the Big Sink Sidewalk project as presented and authorized the judge executive to sign any and all document related there. So moved. There's a motion and a second by Squire Gentry. All those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. And that motion carries. The IRB Castle and Key discussion is not ripe for consideration this evening, so we'll move on to new business. We did adopt the budget amendment number one. We held the first reading for the tax rate. We approved the placement of the Equal Justice Initiative for the historical marker for Mr. Richard James. Now all that's left is for the county clerk's quarterly report. The county clerk was not able to attend. She had another commitment and asked that we approve the quarterly report for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. Motion by Squire Gill. Second by Squire Varner. All those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. And the quarterly report is approved unanimously. Madam Clerk, that does seem to be all. I would ask our participants via Zoom, Squire Brown and Squire Downey, do you all have any announcements? I'll start out with you, Squire Brown, sir. No, sir. I don't have any. Thank you. Thank you. Squire Downey?

Nothing, Judge.

Thank you. Squire Gill?

Nothing. Thank you. Squire Blackford? Yes, thank you, Judge.

I want to thank Coach Dennis Johnson and his football staff. And those amazing football players who came out and helped us to weed eat the Huntertown Cemetery. It was a lot of fun. And they had a great time. Even though some of them didn't know how to weed eat, we tried to teach them. And one kid, I mean, he had a job going. But it was a lot of fun. And we thank them for coming out there. And thanks to Sue Finney for helping us also. So it was a great day. It was great. Thank you.

Thank you. Squire Carl. Thank you, Judge. Thank you. Squire Varner.

Yes, Judge, I'd like to thank everyone that participated in getting the farm tour to the finish line, the extension agency, the conservation, all the ones that provided the food. Thank everyone. It was a successful and seemed like a well-attended farm tour. So thank you. Thank you. Squire Gentry.

Work has started down at the Clifton boat ramp looking good and hopefully the weather permitting they'll finish up soon.

Squire Taylor. I also want to thank everybody involved in the farm tour. SCARVARNER. IT WAS A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE AND A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO SEE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTY AND I APPRECIATE EVERYBODY PARTICIPATING. WE WERE ABLE TO SHOWCASE WHAT A GREAT RESOURCE AGRICULTURE IS IN WOODFORD COUNTY AND IT WASN'T TOO HOT. IT WAS PRETTY FOGGY THOUGH AS WE STARTED THAT DAY BUT IT WAS A GOOD TIME. I ALSO WANTED TO SHARE THAT IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN OUT TO THE COUNTY PARK TO SEE, THEY'RE MAKING REAL PROGRESS ON THE CRITTENDON CABIN AS WELL. THEY'RE GETTING THE ROOF ON RIGHT NOW AND It looks really great, and I really think it'll be a great addition to the park. Thank you, Squire Taylor. Madam Assistant County Attorney.

Yes, Judge, I do have one matter. I realize this might seem a little bit precipitous because it's only the last meeting in July for the fiscal court. We still have a little bit of time to go before the end of the year. But since Alan is taking his traditional one-week-only annual vacation, and since this may be my last and only opportunity to make these comments... On behalf of the county attorney's office, I just wanted to express my appreciation and thanks to this court, to each and every member of the court, and to the judge executive, and also to all of the past judge executives and court members, which if I tried to list them all, I would leave someone out, so I'm not going to do that, that I have had the privilege to serve under as assistant county attorney for the past almost 33 years. Yeah. I also want to just express my appreciation to the quality, concern, and commitment of that leadership. And I also want to recommend and commend the quality of the folks who work behind the scenes, that is the employees of Woodford County Government. Again, I can't list all of them, and I'm not going to try because I would leave someone out. But on a daily basis, we see, we all see, but I have seen their commitment and their concern and their quality of leadership in the community, and I really appreciate it. Finally, I want to extend my very deep appreciation to County Attorney Alan George. for allowing me the opportunity to service his assistant for the last almost 33 years. I don't need to tell you that Alan is considered by most county attorneys in the state to be the premier county attorney in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I believe that, and I trust you do, too. I've been privileged to service his assistant, and I thank him and you for that opportunity. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Assistant County Attorney. Thank you. Very well said. Very well said. And let me also say that you can have the mic anytime that you would like. You can step on Alan's toes anytime that you would like. No, thank you. Thank you, Phyllis, so much. Mr. Woodford-Sun.

Just two quick things. Yes, sir. Please let County Attorney George know that texting the Woodford-Sun during vacation negates him being on vacation. That's why I'm asked to do things. And number two, I want to also extend my gratitude to the court on the vote that they took on the EJI amendment. in this county and they've been well attended very educational and have gone a long way towards just making this a better place to live by revealing that history to all of us. Thank you, Court.

Thank you, Mr. Woodford-Sun. I actually have two quick items of business. First of all, I want to have a quick motion to authorize the check issuance from the opioid account for the opiate settlement funds being allocated for net recovery that were approved earlier in this meeting. Is there a motion for same? Motion by Squire Taylor. Second by Squire Gill. Yes. All those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, nay. The other thing is we discussed last meeting that the Midway EMS station, we would begin the process of selling that station. And we have a quote for a fee for the station. Appraisal in the amount of $2,500. This would be an expedited piece so we can get that done as soon as possible from J.J. Martin at Hawkins Smith Agency, who also assisted with the appraisals for the flood properties. Is there a motion to approve that quote for the work to be done? Motion. Second. Second by Squire Taylor. Is there any discussion on that? Seeing none, all those in favor, please vote and signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, nay. That motion carries unanimously. I have nothing else to come before this honorable court. We do adjourn tonight in honor of the great Gene Hornback. May God bless you. May God bless Woodford County. We are adjourned.