[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6067896,"mediaKeyId","3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a","parentId",3110653,"title","Votes at a glance: Pike County Fiscal Court actions, March 17","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",765000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a&start=765&end=765","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a/thumbnail_765000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6067896/Pike-County/Kentucky/Votes-at-a-glance-Pike-County-Fiscal-Court-actions-March-17","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6067896-587e0fce46f84bb4e3494ef103c12a69/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171093&Signature=k8SsXU06pvvmyCbF3GXp74ekNy9LiWmIJvVcKIPkAr0oKapH9pWRY1AAjrkYdbSktB8rzpJyozuklUgS4ldXuZHLK3n6Hvex0nM3mA9Vdwqr2dNAndoicdCR76ghZAh0vsA-Odl8aYRnQZu7Iq9SotYepPPLIUArhIxVpWt3B6teUUbpbpNfAqANHcgi7u4gOcHNIzVe7LwTTB5KioYcVyH8tm7rQIKVTHA3gcMPI2EhlE8cAfosQYQtAlO3xFp3~O3YxOFrdm4w37~bVPn3nUq9gkthxQwXldJz7O-mru7hL6Q6ihzjgOLiG13ssGkFN7HQGsFn48GchnePyVcCnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pike County, KY","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Pike County Fiscal Court recorded the following formal actions on March 17. Roll-call votes noted all four members voting unless otherwise specified. Where a motion mover or seconder was recorded in the transcript, it is listed.

- Approval of minutes of the March 4 meeting of the fiscal court: Motion by Commissioner Atkins; second by Commissioner Lewis. Outcome: approved (roll call: Scott Yes; Atkins Yes; Lewis Yes; Judge Jones Yes).

- Acknowledgement of receipt of the 2025–2026 Pike County veil budget: Motion by Commissioner Lewis; second by Commissioner Atkins. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

- Authorization to participate in the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) work-experience worksite program and for the judge executive to execute the agreement: Motion by Commissioner Adkins; second by Commissioner Lewis. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll call). Program terms discussed at the meeting: 12 weeks, 480 hours, $15 per hour; EKCEP pays wages and covers workers' compensation.

- Adoption of a resolution supporting the 2025–2026 Kentucky recycling grant program and authorization to execute grant documents: Motion by Commissioner Atkins; second by Commissioner Scott. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

- Approval of contract with Kevin Prahder for Hillbilly Days services in the amount of $3,000 and authorization for the judge executive to execute the agreement: Motion by Commissioner Atkins; second by Commissioner Lewis. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

- Motion to approve bid solicitations and to proceed with contracts and scheduled work orders for bridge, road and debris work as described in the agenda (bid opening noted for Friday at the time of the meeting): Motion by Commissioner Scott; second by Commissioner Atkins. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

- Treasurer items: Acknowledged receipt of the sheriff and clerk’s 25–50 report for February 2025; acknowledged receipt of treasurer’s monthly financial statement ending 02/28/2025; authorized payment of the expenditure approval list dated March 17 and other utility bills presented before checks were run. Motion by Commissioner Atkins; second by Commissioner Lewis. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

- Personnel actions (hiring and position changes): Motion to hire Amy Stilton (housekeeping) and to move Grant Coleman from mower to CDL driver effective dates stated in the minutes: Motion seconded by Commissioner Lewis. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).

- Authorization to require contractors involved in post-disaster home and commercial repair to register with the county and to issue contractor registration certificates (executive order prepared in conjunction with the Kentucky attorney general’s consumer-protection office): Motion by Commissioner Scott; second by Commissioner Atkins. Outcome: approved (roll call: Scott Yes; Atkins Yes; Lewis Yes; Judge Jones Yes).

Notes: The transcript records that the court generally conducted roll-call votes with all members present. Where the transcript listed specific movers and seconders those names are recorded above. The court recorded multiple unanimous approvals and instructed staff to implement the items voted on and to return with necessary documents as required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pike County Fiscal Court Meeting - March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The court approved several routine and recovery-related items on March 17 including minutes, budget receipt acknowledgement, program participation, grant support, contracts and a contractor-registration requirement; most votes were unanimous.","taxTitle","Pike County, Kentucky","taxId",72456,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6067901,"Pike County OKs 12-week EKCEP worksite program for 18–24-year-olds",236,2999000,3235000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a&start=2999&end=3235","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a/thumbnail_2999000.jpg","/articles/6067901/Pike-County/Kentucky/Pike-County-OKs-12-week-EKCEP-worksite-program-for-1824-year-olds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6067901-edd6a2b9e636a6d2a889bde6f0cd38b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171093&Signature=mtqhhR2JVfzzPb92M37ueRWCsGLBVWZXd2SO-NB2w6clYa1fLajVoUOZaIuUwSZR4f~i24OzwxdeTVl2rmfe2TAB4vbHxnhJKW~34bB0Drrey7YJKPNngeEPHKtnBySN9jJn3JssQbGwMS2sXAdu5caqN3lL2lpsXFRMnaKAkLGCLf8kCx0Cs2ml8Fvvv8SP1p~1JvTPPSVAQUoI4shPMStYwkY1reurTCqrBSbJ9ZmMKUPaLAb-vzn5PuROzee1jdZPKt~eSow8-x7cSERiAlYbj2DMmfJ-8AJNgraCzj0fi-zps4RirjIC2nFH56Z-dkWiXO-jsUuqDPw2HEf1Rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pike County Fiscal Court voted March 17 to participate in a work-experience worksite program run by the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP). The program provides temporary placements for 18-to-24-year-old out-of-school youth for up to 12 weeks (480 hours) at $15 per hour; EKCEP pays wages and covers workers' compensation, and the county supervises the participants at assigned worksites such as the road department or solid waste.

An EKCEP representative described the program to the court: “This program is a 12 week, 480 hours, program. Dollars 15 per hour. We pay the employees, and we also cover the workers comp.” Court members said participating departments could host roughly six to ten participants initially and that interested applicants should contact the local unemployment office at 138 College Street and ask for Kathy Howe, a career advisor named in the presentation.

The court motion authorized the judge executive to execute the EKCEP agreement and to participate in placements; the roll call recorded unanimous approval. County staff said they would publicize openings through county social media and PACT TV and would accept referrals through the unemployment office.

","The Fiscal Court authorized the county to participate in Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program worksite placements, offering 12-week, 40-hour-per-week slots at $15 per hour for eligible 18–24-year-olds; the county will execute the agreement and pay no direct wages beyond administration.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6067906,"Pike County adopts contractor-registration executive order to curb post-flood scams",384,5496000,5880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a&start=5496&end=5880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a/thumbnail_5496000.jpg","/articles/6067906/Pike-County/Kentucky/Pike-County-adopts-contractor-registration-executive-order-to-curb-post-flood-scams","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6067906-286cc363cda560f95c973cdb2a243fd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171093&Signature=C-6Wk9LLg6gT~6HDe0RpxDhWb39zrkKDwkWjGYYuKdHvnTp8XFu7-c6Wfc6R8dIWVONthymmZ~gBFRS6iV~e7a-gnGdNtH2B10p0RmrSdtmNUJMoV-0wFwwAhxp2w9ejMkeJIbZMee9EYxGAoqbaAsrY-NIgON7vx0nd21AHonhcpBWSdlLStBnz1nbw8ZdeJv-KaL~Sn~BEjqjWQlRp3Lf9iAcw-3TEUk8Z0T1hmXGOE-SDTsQUMn-3l5syzWfWXGThy1rd~Nh8-ZYBa4-Lx7fvO5wLDMUENKXo6U8k697JCQyG01RD6QPDgX7YDSC1O4n-Nr6srStozXEGerZzOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pike County Fiscal Court voted on March 17 to require contractors engaged in post-flood repairs to register with the county and obtain a contractor registration certificate, adopting a form and press guidance modeled on recommendations from the Kentucky attorney general’s consumer protection office.

Judge Jones introduced the item and the court adopted a motion directing the occupational tax office to issue registration forms and certificates and to publicize the requirement. The order instructs residents to hire only registered contractors and asks the sheriff’s office to assist with enforcement; the draft press materials shared with the court list common consumer-protection advice such as checking the Better Business Bureau, avoiding high-pressure sales and not signing insurance checks to contractors.

Why this matters: Court members said the registration is intended to protect residents who are hiring contractors during an emergency-recovery period and to deter unscrupulous, “fly-by-night” operators. Commissioners described examples of alleged contractor fraud after storm events and said a local registration and certificate will give residents an easily verifiable indicator of registration status.

The court authorized the judge executive to sign the executive order, to publish a press release and to coordinate with the attorney general’s consumer protection division. Judge Jones said the county would make sample registration forms and the contractor certificate available and would publicize the requirement on county social channels. He added: “If you save 1 person from getting duped” the effort is worthwhile.

The court also discussed logistics: registrations will be handled through the occupational tax office and the executive order will require a permit from the floodplain coordinator where applicable. The court directed staff to prepare and circulate the executive order and press materials immediately.

","The Fiscal Court approved an executive-order-based registration and certificate requirement for contractors working on post-flood home and commercial repairs, following guidance from the Kentucky attorney general’s consumer protection office.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6067910,"Pike County warns bridge repairs and debris cleanup could cost millions; officials flag FEMA reimbursement risks",1533,3273000,4806000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a&start=3273&end=4806","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a/thumbnail_3273000.jpg","/articles/6067910/Pike-County/Kentucky/Pike-County-warns-bridge-repairs-and-debris-cleanup-could-cost-millions-officials-flag-FEMA-reimbursement-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6067910-abd46b970ab528ae50f81089074cff0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171093&Signature=AiGEuPmH0RA-2sKqc5mLXWRbV5qCbIiE9~GzbdFOp7UFZbsAHJhA6ciJEF5d4PTu6Ur094JMF93LPmWBHZVik7SVXr0T9BB-oXphsOZ5idfGCGPzgJ~0S6OpABZ4jAsvvD9nDiPNDBH6COiXIJbnX5VG4WxbGbaX2qedKNCSvM0GoP5fN-hZmyMzbs0Trr57hlS4R46wGrW-EjVONxDzbOVKDCGLbQHxbTJ213IxK3oHB-kbAT8Lx147vgxf-Tvb6lWyVyeh7VfObQN7SbtrLthe2PLHMGdi9tMM1ssWIAHKC~txMjTZDqoSbifNYTU7s2yB1AoMEMVnOlUc749Ptg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pike County Fiscal Court members spent significant time on March 17 discussing the scope, cost and procurement challenges of repairing private and county bridges and removing debris left by February flooding. Officials and consultants warned that incomplete paperwork or incorrect procurement could jeopardize FEMA reimbursement and leave the county bearing major costs.

Judge Jones and county staff described hundreds of damaged sites, private bridges washed out or unsafe, and widespread debris. County consultant remarks and staff estimates at the meeting placed debris-removal and repair costs in the multimillion-dollar range for the county: an estimate of roughly $10 million for county debris removal was discussed, and a landfill emergency-expansion estimate of about $4,000,000 was presented as a potential downstream cost if local disposal consumes landfill airspace.

Why this matters: Court members said accurate documentation and following disaster-specific guidance are essential because FEMA reimbursement requires detailed procurement records, independent debris monitors, and correctly separated disposal streams. County officials repeatedly cautioned that mistakes in documentation could make large expenditures — including bridge construction — ineligible for reimbursement.

Judge Jones stressed the stakes: “If the paperwork that goes into FEMA is not done accurately… If you build a 3 quarter million dollar bridge and you don't get reimbursed for that it would break us.” County staff and consultants described the multi-step debris-management process used to document hauling and disposal: debris must be measured by monitors, tracked to separate piles (state right-of-way, county material, commercial waste streams) and processed at approved management sites to preserve eligibility for federal funds.

County staff reported more than 1,000 sites identified for assessment so far; other figures mentioned during the discussion included a specific Big-Creek repair example (Dorton Creek work previously costing more than $800,000) and comments that individual creeks or stretches of road could exceed a million dollars in damage. Staff also noted that FEMA typically covers 75% of eligible public-assistance costs, the state 12%, and the county 13% of eligible costs — a share county leaders said could be financially harmful if major projects are denied reimbursement.

Procurement and contracting were central. The court explained that many bridge repairs must go through formal procurement and bid openings, and that a limited number of qualified contractors are already busy across eastern Kentucky. County officials said they will put projects out for competitive bid rather than attempt to do all work in-house because the scale of damage exceeds staffing capacity.

Officials also flagged debris commingling as a major risk: debris from commercial properties and private property removed without proper separation and documentation could render related invoices ineligible. The court discussed disposal strategy and said the state had indicated that landfilling some material locally could be more cost-effective for the state; officials said they were seeking state help to avoid exhausting local landfill space. The court said it had contacted state legislators and the state emergency management director about those issues.

Court members asked for clear, disaster-specific guidance from FEMA and the state. County staff said they were working with a public-assistance consultant and debris-monitoring contractors (Thompson Consulting and other retained firms) to ensure paperwork and monitoring meet federal requirements. The consultants’ role, the court heard, is to prepare documentation, advise on eligibility and guide procurement so the county can maximize reimbursement and reduce financial risk.

Court next steps included publishing bid notices for bridge projects, coordinating monitoring and documentation with debris contractors, and continuing to press state and federal partners for clear guidance about eligibility for removal of debris from private commercial properties and private bridges.

","The Fiscal Court detailed the scale of bridge and debris damage from February floods, saying procurement and documentation will determine whether FEMA reimbursement covers the costs; county and consultants estimated multimillion-dollar needs and urged strict adherence to federal rules.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6067914,"FEMA, SBA outline disaster assistance and loan terms for Pike County flood survivors",2124,895000,3019000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a&start=895&end=3019","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110653-4ef442a112a557171bd6685056be9f5a/thumbnail_895000.jpg","/articles/6067914/Pike-County/Kentucky/FEMA-SBA-outline-disaster-assistance-and-loan-terms-for-Pike-County-flood-survivors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6067914-ce484801ad1347711171959018a399d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171093&Signature=iq6D3NqDoaixzKGRyFGFwbuhQNH5DAn1ebNLUx8jE2jz3WwELJmte-hX28pSKfg-FiLsv0V5KEmUIPgc-SuddinfFkq4KsXSqbCND1~jnPf~5743yVLE3bh5~USbcO9P7DQg25T45GvJ20Z-BcEPrFTg-XPk0bFlTdi1aaZADP2XPKAwFK4yp3a~iYF2htJ-ezDsV5EJjOtPnDgMfzSBB1OdANfiyis~uA9rgKVALlyrJdzrpFnldTKjGhKzrmon3nwiXUV5OuMKbqIE82mJ-atz-uUxAX1ZjQezQdB1YY97h9S5KMx1rtpoJu2v7T0ZQOyZJWOK2I4JnZkL0WJxjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","FEMA and the Small Business Administration briefed Pike County Fiscal Court members on March 17 about how residents and local businesses can apply for federal disaster aid following the February flooding and what to expect from loans and grants.

The briefing explained the two primary federal relief paths: FEMA individual assistance grants for households and SBA disaster loans for long-term recovery. Zach Myers, FEMA intergovernmental affairs specialist, said “All individuals are encouraged to apply.” Jim Herso, identified in the meeting as a public affairs specialist with the Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery, reviewed SBA loan types, interest rates and timelines.

Why this matters: County officials said much of eastern Kentucky’s recovery will depend on correct applications and documentation because federal reimbursement and loan offers hinge on formal procedures. Officials urged residents to apply promptly and to appeal denials rather than accept initial determinations.

Myers described FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) and encouraged anyone affected to register through one of four methods — online at disasterassistance.gov, the FEMA app, the toll-free hotline, or at a disaster recovery center (DRC). He said FEMA’s individual assistance can include immediate needs assistance ($750), a separate $350 cleaning/sanitizing allowance, and a higher assistance claim that “can be made for up to $43,600.”

Herso said SBA offers two primary products: physical-damage loans for repairs to structures and contents, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to cover working-capital losses. He summarized published terms on the fact sheet for this declaration: interest rates “as low as 4%” on business physical-damage loans, a cap of $2,000,000 for physical-damage loans, and a first-year deferred-payment period. Herso added SBA’s operational target is to disburse up to $25,000 within five days of document signing and that the first repayment typically begins in month 13 after disbursement.

Both agencies addressed questions that have circulated in the region. Myers said FEMA had not yet put out incident-specific language on some categories at the start of the meeting but later confirmed that private bridges and private roadways are covered under the current declaration and that culverts may also be covered; he said the court would receive the policy language. Myers also emphasized that appeals are a routine and important part of the process: many initial denials are attributable to missing documents or errors in applicants’ paperwork and can be resolved if applicants supply the needed documentation at a DRC or online.

Officials and agency staff gave counts and processing details during the briefing. Herso said SBA had issued 12 disbursements across the entire declaration to date; 18 loans had been offered and 11 of those offers were for applicants in Pike County (of the loans he discussed, four were home loans and one was a business loan). Myers said FEMA has paid “just over $18,100,000” to residents of the Commonwealth so far and that about 3,000 people statewide had received payments as of his update; he said those totals were increasing daily.

Agency staff listed local access points and hours: two primary DRCs in Pike County (the Belfry Library and the site near Tractor Supply) plus mobile registration sites (the Marlborough Fire Department and Longfork Park in Virgie on specified dates). Myers summarized the application deadline information that had been published for these programs: SBA’s loan application deadline for the declaration is April 25; the FEMA registration deadline was described as mid-April at the time of the meeting but Myers said the application window can remain open longer for appeals and additional documentation.

Officials urged residents to apply even if they have insurance, and to follow up with appeals when necessary. Herso noted SBA loans are “above and beyond any other sources of help that they get,” and that mitigation funding (up to 20% of approved repair costs) may be available later if property owners take approved steps to reduce future flood risk. Myers cautioned that some FEMA awards can require flood insurance for a specified period; both agencies said they would provide or clarify written guidance to the court and to the public.

The agencies also reminded residents that paperwork and documentation matter: applicants should keep letters about denials, deeds, identification and photos of damage because adding missing documents can change an outcome on appeal.

County officials thanked agency staff and encouraged residents who need help to visit the DRCs or call the published hotlines rather than rely on social media. The court said it would share the agencies’ contact information and fact sheets through county channels.

County next steps noted at the meeting included distributing agency fact sheets, posting DRC hours publicly, and ensuring county staff and recovery partners help residents gather documentation for appeals if needed.

","FEMA and the Small Business Administration told Pike County officials on March 17 how residents and businesses can apply for individual assistance grants and SBA disaster loans after February flooding, reviewed deadlines and application channels, and urged appeals for denied claims.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Pike County Fiscal Court actions, March 17

Pike County OKs 12-week EKCEP worksite program for 18–24-year-olds

Pike County adopts contractor-registration executive order to curb post-flood scams

Pike County warns bridge repairs and debris cleanup could cost millions; officials flag FEMA reimbursement risks

FEMA, SBA outline disaster assistance and loan terms for Pike County flood survivors