In a special meeting held on November 8, 2024, the Pike County Fiscal Court addressed several significant issues impacting the community, including the reconstruction of the Greasy Creek Community Center, financial challenges due to declining coal severance tax revenues, and various lease renewals for county properties.

One of the primary discussions centered around the destruction of the Greasy Creek Community Center by fire earlier in the summer. The court has been working with their insurance company and has previously authorized Summit Architectural Services to design a new facility. The proposed design will shift from the traditional log cabin style to a more sustainable ground-level pad, which is expected to be more cost-effective and compliant with ADA regulations. This change is particularly important as many community center users are elderly or have disabilities, and the new design aims to reduce the risk of falls and other hazards.

Commissioner Lewis highlighted the financial implications of the project, noting that the county's coal severance tax revenues have significantly decreased from over $12 million in previous years to an estimated $1.5 million this year. This decline necessitates careful budgeting and planning to ensure that the new community center does not impose an undue financial burden on taxpayers. The court approved a motion to retain Summit for architectural services at a cost of $29,900, which is expected to be largely covered by insurance.

In addition to the community center discussion, the court awarded a bid for a new camper storage building to Sysco Builders for $724,800. This project is also funded through a Community Development Block Grant, which typically requires a local match, although this particular project does not.

The meeting also included the appointment of Mark White to a vacancy and the reappointment of Kathy Harvill, as well as the reappointment of David Hutchins to the Pike County Airport Board. The court acknowledged a clean audit for the Pike County Clerk for the year ending December 31, 2023, congratulating Clerk Darryl Pew on this achievement.

Lastly, several lease renewals for county properties were approved, including agreements for offices used by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Phelps and Belfry, as well as a lease for the state police firing range.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing community needs while navigating financial constraints. The decisions made are expected to have lasting impacts on the residents of Pike County, particularly in enhancing community facilities and ensuring continued access to essential services.