Horses, Budget Headline Fiscal Court Session

The Breathitt County Fiscal Court met in a special session on Tuesday, June 24, to discuss the stray equine notice recently published by the Court. 

 A crowded courthouse listened as opponents and supporters of the county's efforts to round up abandoned horses near the Elk View presented information and debated.

Some residents, concerned about the health of the animals, expressed concerns that the horses need shelter, food, and fencing.  Several reported property damages caused by the free-ranging tetrapods.  One resident emphasized the need for accountability regarding the damages incurred.

Phyllis Clemons, who lives near Elk View, reminded attendees that the Court had previously agreed to cover the costs for a guard, shelter, fencing, and feed for the horses. 

Representatives from the Appalachian Horse Project (AHP) attended the meeting, reminding the Court about the proposed horse-themed tourist attractions, partially funded and underway at the site.  The group spokesperson advocated for the horses as a tourism asset to the county.  

Since the public notice was released, the AHP collected over 1,000 signatures on an online petition to keep the horses in the fields in the area, "where they have lived for over 40 years."

After a lengthy discussion, the Court reached a consensus, without a vote, to wait for a second public notice published in the Times-Voice, which asks horse owners to retrieve their animals before the round-up begins voluntarily.

The second reading of the county's 2025-2026 spending plan was approved unanimously by the Court.  The motion made and seconded set the budget at $79,900,125.90 and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Under the new spending plan, the county budgeted $1,575,133.54 for General Government Expenses.  An additional 3.4 million dollars rounds out the general fund, including planned disbursements for Protection of Persons and Property, General Health and Sanitation, Social Services, Employee Benefits, and Reserves for Transfer.  The budget also includes $82,000 for Recreation and Culture.

The proposed expenditures for the Road Fund include $6,465,869.

Other expenses included: $730,040 for the Jail Fund, $432,000 for the Solid Waste Fund, and $27,000 to operate and maintain the tourist areas of the Elk View area. 

A total of $41,500 for Alcohol Beverage Control will be expended, but those funds come from the alcohol fees collected from local merchants.

The budget anticipates $64,000,000 in income and expenses from pending Federal grants and reimbursements.

In other action:

The minutes from the special meetings held on May 27, April 25, and June 11 were approved.

The Court approved payments for vendors' claims, inter-fund transfers, and EKSAFE Funds to cover Road Vendor Claims.

Back Excavation won two bids for FEMA buyout house demolition; Hinkle won a gravel bid, while the asphalt bid was split between Hinkle and Mountain Enterprises.  Additionally, 407 Supplies and W. R. Miller will split the pipe bid.

The Court approved renovations for the Jackson Medical Clinic, amounting to $80,764, and is working on a lease to repay the funds in 60 monthly installments of just over $10,000 each.

Joel Gross was approved for an incentive payment of $5,302.12 for completed training units, while James Ross received payment for his remaining vacation time of 5.95 hours, as he has secured another job.

The Airport Project was discussed, and the Court noted that the airport board is incomplete, with only Sue Clair and Homer Johnson as active members.  The Court will seek board members before proceeding.

The Court successfully paid off Kentucky Association of Counties loans totaling over five million dollars.

Bill Fugate Drive was approved as a county roadway.

After a review, the Court also approved the payroll reimbursement agreement policy from the Breathitt County Sheriff's Office.

With three members present and one joining by FaceTime, the Court adjourned after meeting for an hour and a half.