Joseph Engle

The meeting included an address by a guest speaker and a recycling update. The board approved various financial actions, including bill payments, fund invoices, and budget transfers. Additionally, the board authorized a deed of easement, approved a request for funds regarding the Three Kids Closet project, and awarded construction management services for roof repairs and an appraisals contract for a housing development project.

The agenda for the special called meeting includes the approval of bill payments, authorization of payments for invoices by fund, and the approval of financial transfers.

The court focused on several key items, including the approval of demolition and clearance services for the NRCS EWP 5075 Buyout Program across multiple contractors. The meeting also addressed a resolution acknowledging the City of Hazard's annexation of specific roads and territory. Bids were awarded for an E911 phone refresh to AT&T, E911 dispatcher work consoles to Watson Consoles, and the construction of the Rowdy Trailhead and Campground project to Standafer Builders, Inc. Additionally, the court adopted an official Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy.

The Fiscal Court meeting agenda included the approval of various financial transactions, such as bill payments, fund invoices, and budget transfers. Significant actions included the adoption of road extensions for Denman Lane, Maggie Way, and Beehaven Drive, and the awarding of construction contracts for the Citizens Lane Improvement Project and the NRCS EWP 5075-016 Lick Branch project. The court also addressed resolutions regarding a memorandum of agreement with RP Hospitality LLC and the conveyance of real property on Main Street. Additional legislative items included amending the administrative code to include a personnel cash out policy, approving a memorandum of agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for road and bridge projects, accepting amendments to the Sheriff's budget, receiving the Sheriff's 1st quarter budget, and addressing the 2022 unmined coal settlement and 911 statistics.

The meeting provided an update on the FEMA disaster recovery process, detailing the steps from damage assessment and portal entry to project funding. Discussions highlighted the complexity and time-consuming nature of navigating federal and state disaster assistance programs. Key topics included the 2022 and 2025 flood events, the challenges of getting road and bridge projects approved, and the success of the voluntary property buyout program, which has helped residents relocate. The team emphasized the importance of their partnership with state and federal entities in responding to major disasters.