Fiscal Court approves 6th Deputy Sheriff

McCreary County Fiscal Court met on March 13, 2025, to act on county business.

Acting on a request by Sheriff David Sampson, the court unanimously approved hiring a sixth deputy, Ryan Jones, once administrative codes are met.  Jones will start full-time at $15.00 per hour, with the Fiscal Court paying his salary.

McCreary County Judge Executive Jimmie “Bevo” Greene discussed McCreary County’s portion of the State Rural Secondary allotment for the coming year is $1,553,628.  McCreary County’s State Rural Secondary Road System has 139.165 miles.  Routine maintenance costs are $776,800 and $3,875 for County Judge’s expense.  This leaves $935,713 for improvements, of which $223,044 is allotted for County flex funds.  The Commonwealth of KY Transportation Cabinet recommended using the funds to resurface KY 700 from the end-of-state maintenance to the intersection of KY 700 and US 27, a distance of 5.487 miles.  The Fiscal Court approved the Cabinet’s recommendation.

Additionally, the Fiscal Court heard reports from County Department supervisors, including the following.

-McCreary County EMS/911 Director Jimmy Barnett stated that EMS made 401 runs in February, bringing in $160,630 in revenue.  911 answered 1,052 calls in February.  Barnett reported that the latest inspections were “perfect.”

-Animal Control Office Greg Smith said he took in 43 dogs last month and plans to add some new equipment, including live traps.

-Occupation Tax Administrator Stephanie Tucker reported $219,764.81 in occupation tax, of which $73,254.93 went to the jail fund, and $146,509.88 was distributed to the County’s General Fund.

-Alcoholic Beverage Control Administrator Brenda Blevins said the County received $131,88063 in license and regulatory fees from alcohol sales in 2024.  Merchants sold a total of $2,542,681 in alcohol sales.

-Tourism Director Michelle Perry collected $646.35 of transient taxes in February.  She shared that Tourism received a $30,000 state Trail Town grant for Stearns, McCreary County’s trail town.  The grant will be used partially for signage, promotion, and directions to Stearns.  She also reminded the Court and public about upcoming McCreary County events, including the following.    Motors on Main will take place on the first Friday in May through October.  The McCreary Gravel Rally is scheduled for April 25/26.  County clean-up along Hwy 90 (Cumberland Falls) will be on April 26, with registration at the Eagle Community Center.

-McCreary County Park Director Melissa Vanover collected $1,655 in park (County and Sandhill) rentals.  The annual Easter egg hunt is Saturday, April 19, beginning at 2:00 p.m.  Free lunches will be available.

-Finance Officer Debbie Gilreath urged magistrates to continue preparing for the next budget meeting.

-County Road Supervisor Tony Kidd reported a busy month, including 41 roadside dumps and trash pick-ups.

-Emergency Management Agency Director Stephen McKinney reminded the public about the  April 11 and 12 free dump days.  He also mentioned the free tire collection on March 27-29 and encouraged homeowners to remove any unwanted tires during the collection.

-County Attorney Austin Price spoke about the county crackdown on illegal dumping and littering.

-Judge Greene spoke briefly about his recent business trip to Washington, D.C., where he met with Congressman Rogers and Senator Paul about local concerns.  Greene has contacted KY State Senator Stivers regarding the need for McCreary County water projects and the importance of local library projects.

The McCreary County Fiscal Court meets regularly on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the McCreary County Courthouse.  The public is encouraged to attend.