The Whitley County Fiscal Court convened on October 17, 2023, to address several key agenda items, including updates on local jail conditions and a contract modification related to FEMA grant funds.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding the current inmate population at the county jail, which stands at 275, with 79 inmates housed in state facilities. The court explored options for improving jail operations, including the potential acquisition of commercial dishwashers. A suggestion was made to contact a nonprofit group in Knox County that offers these appliances at a heavily discounted rate. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the jail's kitchen operations.

Following this, the court was scheduled to receive a monthly report from Sheriff Elliot; however, he was unable to attend the meeting. Consequently, the court moved on to the final agenda item, which involved a contract modification with Kentucky Emergency Management. This modification pertains to FEMA grant funds related to a disaster from 2020.

Amber provided an update, noting that while all local projects have been closed out, the state has yet to finalize its portion of the contract. The extension of the contract for an additional ten years is necessary to ensure the county can receive any remaining funds, which may take several years to process. The discussion highlighted the importance of keeping the contract open to access the 10% of funds that are typically withheld until final inspections are completed.

In summary, the meeting addressed critical operational issues at the county jail and ensured the county's continued eligibility for FEMA funding, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage resources effectively in Whitley County.