Bonds for hospital; PVA vacancy announced

LWV OBSERVER REPORT
AGENCY: Madison County Fiscal Court
DATE: November 25, 2008
REPORTER: Joan Peoples

Hospital bonds approved
A public hearing was held at 9:35 a.m. prior to the regular Fiscal Court meeting The topic was approval of a bond for Pattie A. Clay Hospital. The purpose of the bond, to be financed by Central Bank, is to re-finance some current debt and to complete renovation of fourth floor facilities. Judge Clark explained that the state allows each county to authorize up to $10 million in bonds each year for local projects, allowing non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations to borrow money at lower interest rates. Fiscal Court is not liable if the organization fails to repay the loan. There were no dissenting comments. After some brief discussion, the public hearing was adjourned at 9:42 a.m.

The regular Fiscal Court meeting was called to order at 9:42 a.m. An amendment to the agenda was approved to add a resolution to grant PAC Hospital’s bond request. The resolution was approved by unanimous vote.

A spokesperson from the Richmond Area Arts Council presented a request for help in funding their program. She described several of the many programs they provide to children, families and adults, focusing on effects such as increased self confidence and awareness of events in the world around them. Judge Clark spoke approvingly of their program and suggested that she return after the beginning of the 2009 fiscal year in January, when they might have some funds available.

An amendment to Resolution 08-04 CDBG was approved, increasing funds promised to the Food Pantry in the Nov. 12 meeting from the original $300,000 to $500,000. Magistrate Tudor noted that the city of Richmond has its own food bank and asked if the God’s Outreach Food Pantry were coordinating with other agencies. Judge Clark said he would check into that. Magistrate Botner said it was his understanding that mostly county residents use the God’s Outreach Food Pantry.

A request for land use zone change from agriculture to general commercial for 2.6 acres on Berea Road was denied. The County Planning Commission had rejected the request and there were no persons present at this meeting to speak in favor of the change. A few people were present who opposed the change; they were acknowledged but they did not ask to speak.

Another land use zone change request was granted. This was from agriculture to single family housing for 1.4 acres along Berea Road. This change had been approved by the County Planning Commission. There were no comments from people in the audience.

JUDGE’S REPORT
Since there are no elections next year the County will add Columbus Day to the holiday schedule. Madison County’s Property Value Administrator Steve Smith, has retired. Governor Beshear will appoint a successor, accepting names from county officials and legislators. Persons interested in this position should arrange to take the qualifying exam held in Frankfort. Judge Clark praised the Courthouse staff for the Christmas decorations and reminded citizens of holiday parades to be held in Richmond and Berea.

There were no reports from department heads at this meeting. Magistrate Combs commented that every department head should attend Fiscal Court meetings. Judge Clark responded that many department heads are very busy with their duties and that some watch the meeting on TV, but he will try to get them to attend.

MAGISTRATES’ COMMENTS
Dr. Tudor mentioned that with all the talk of doom and gloom about the economy he would like to recommend convening a work session sometime after the end of the fiscal year’s fourth quarter to look at the 2009 budget in detail. He added that a few projects might need to be revised or postponed – such as the Barnes Mill Road project. Judge Clark spoke forcefully about how the county’s finances are in good shape, that they have scheduled more good projects and have more money available than ever before. It was clear that he did not support the idea of convening a special meeting to focus on finances. But Dr. Tudor continued, asking the treasurer when she could have the 2008 information available. She responded that the fiscal year ends December 31st and that she would then need some time for checks to clear the bank, but that she probably could have a report ready by the end of January.

Mr. Barger reported that the Valley View Ferry was finally back on schedule.
Mr. Botner reported that he had attended a recent KACD conference. He said that, for him, some of the proceedings were repeats from previous meetings but that he always learns something new and that it was a “good” meeting.
Mr. Combs made clear that he supported Dr. Tudor’s suggestion of holding a special meeting to look at the budgets.

Judge Clark added a reminder that there would be a public meeting that evening at 6 p.m. to hear citizen comments on a request to allow sale of wines on Sundays in Madison County. Mr. Combs will chair that meeting. Dr. Tudor added a suggestion that county offices should close at noon on Christmas Eve. Judge Clark agreed that December 24th would be a half work day by executive order.

COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE:
One person observed that they liked the new monthly magazine. County Clerk Billy Gabbard spoke up to say he wanted to thank the custodial staff for the good job they do in keeping the Courthouse clean and looking good.

The meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

NEXT MEETING: Dec. 23 in Richmond.