Knott County fiscal court — votes at a glance and meeting actions, March 17, 2025

Knott County Fiscal Court on March 17 approved a package of routine fiscal items, grants and contracts, referred four radio system bids to the 9‑1‑1 board for technical review, and moved forward on property acquisition and demolition work related to federal disaster programs.

Votes at a glance

- Minutes of the Feb. special called meeting: approved (motion carried).

- Knott County Conservation District and Extension Office budget (FY 2025–26): approved (motion carried).

- Knott County Sheriff’s Office fourth‑quarter report (ending 12/31/2024): accepted (motion carried).

- Chestnut Ridge Sewer Project, Phase 2 — Pay Request No. 3 ($14,362.99 from EK Safe Grant funds; grama total $179,614.30): approved (motion carried).

- Authority to the judge to appoint two members to the Appalachian Industrial Authority board: fiscal court authorized the judge to select nominees for two vacancies and return names to the court (two motions carried).

- FEMA demolition award: the court approved awarding a contract to Rose Construction for five FEMA‑eligible demolitions, total bid $219,450; court authorized payment up front pending FEMA reimbursement (motion carried).

- Road name changes and approvals (February and March lists): approved (motions carried).

- Transfers and preapproval transfers (February transfers $373,991.07 for payroll/benefits; regular transfers to jail and other funds; April preapproval transfers): approved (motions carried).

- Budget amendment 24‑25‑04 (second reading): approved (motion carried).

- Claims list (including several FEMA‑related pay items) and additional invoices: approved (motions carried).

- Treasurer’s report (cash balances reported): accepted (motion carried).

- County cleanup: the court declared April as county cleanup month and approved a per‑mile payment for nonprofit/volunteer cleanup efforts (approved).

- Chestnut Ridge broadband contract amendment (second reading): approved (motion carried).

- Radio/911 system bids: four vendor proposals were opened and referred to the 9‑1‑1 board for recommendation to the fiscal court (motion carried to refer for technical review).

What it means

Most items were routine approvals required for county operations and disaster recovery work: pay requests for infrastructure projects, transfers for payroll and jail operations, and the FEMA demolition contract that will be funded up front by the county pending federal reimbursement. The court emphasized that property acquisition and demolition work is processed from lists provided by USDA/FEMA partners and involves appraisals, title searches and asbestos abatement before demolition begins.

Procedure notes

Court members repeatedly emphasized the county’s role as the client when contractors operate under state master agreements — a change from prior state‑led management in 2022 — and said they intend more direct oversight and weekly coordination with contractors and monitors.

Sources: Motions, roll calls and presentations during the March 17 Knott County Fiscal Court meeting.