Sydney Downey

The meeting began with a prayer and pledge of allegiance. The court welcomed the new director of the Franklin Simpson Ambulance Service, Tom Scott, and acknowledged the retirement of the previous director, Dale McCrary. Key agenda items included the approval of the minutes from the April 4th regular Fiscal Court meeting and acknowledging receipt of the Extension District budget. A significant discussion centered on an interlocal agreement with the City and School Board concerning funding for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, prompted by rising concerns over school safety following recent national incidents. The need to enhance security measures, such as implementing bullet-resistant film on windows and maintaining locked doors, was emphasized. Funding commitments, including the County's prior $100,000 contribution, were reviewed, alongside concerns regarding the automatic renewal clause in the proposed agreement.

The joint meeting addressed significant public concerns regarding property damage due to water runoff caused by construction activities related to Kentucky Downs expansion. A resident detailed how the alteration of ditches led to water inundation under her house, causing floor damage and removal of the heat unit, and requested remediation and compensation for repairs. Another major discussion point involved ongoing disturbances from a resident firing high-powered rifles and explosive devices late at night, sometimes onto neighboring properties. The County Attorney reviewed options, noting that while criminal statutes might not clearly apply, the body might consider enacting a noise ordinance for the county outside city limits to address the issue, although caution was advised regarding impacting legitimate agricultural and recreational activities.

The primary business conducted was the review and approval of the first reading of Ordinance Number 110.8 concerning the Franklin Gateway Development Tax Increment Financing. The meeting also included a procedural motion to exit an executive session.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding the use of County Road Aid funds and Local Government Economic Assistance funds, with projections noted for fiscal year 2122. Following the hearing, Lieutenant Colonel John Swords presented an updated Interlocal Agreement between the Workforce Development Board and the ten constituent counties, detailing that the prior agreement was from 2015, amended in 2016. The approval of this agreement was tabled until the next meeting to allow for the drafting of a resolution to authorize its signing. Business continued with the approval of the May 4th Fiscal Court meeting minutes, the first reading of a zone change ordinance for 2.215 acres on Macedonia Road from AG to R2, and the approval of budget transfers. Finally, the bills and claims and the April 30th, 2021 financial statement were reviewed and approved.

The meeting commenced with prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of the minutes from the April 18th regular Fiscal Court meeting. The Court conducted the first reading of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget ordinance amendment number six, which involved amending revenue by $111,000. A significant portion of the discussion involved the School Resource Officer (SRO) interlocal agreement, specifically concerning the 90-day opt-out clause, which was ultimately tabled until after budget discussions. Budget transfers were approved, including a transfer of $16,000 from the general fund to the jail fund, and a transfer of $28,186.59 from the Federal grant fund to the general fund. The Court also approved the County Clerk's claim for calculating the 2023 motor vehicle and boat bills, and subsequently approved the general claims presented. Toward the end, there was a brief mention of a potential employee survey.