Boyd County fiscal court approves $195,000 line of credit, advances code-enforcement ordinance to second review and approves multiple grants

Boyd County Judge Executive Eric Chaney and the Boyd County Fiscal Court on March 11 approved a one-year, $195,000 revolving line of credit to help pay for county projects, advanced a first reading of a new code enforcement ordinance for the unincorporated county, accepted a new medical-services contract for the Boyd County Detention Center, and approved several grant applications and interlocal agreements.

The court said the line of credit will be used to cover timing shortfalls in Local Government Economic Aid (LGEA) receipts while county projects — including a planned overhaul of Shelter 7 at Armco Park — move forward. Judge Eric Chaney said the county will “let the bank hold the debt” while applying LGEA funds toward the balance as receipts arrive.

Why it matters: The line of credit gives the county flexibility to proceed on timed capital projects without waiting for annual LGEA disbursements. Court members said using short-term debt avoids drawing on other county revenue.

Most of the afternoon’s discussion focused on two multi-meeting efforts: a revised code-enforcement ordinance and work to add South Commerce Drive to the county road system to improve industrial access. The court approved the code-enforcement measure on first reading; officials said they will take public feedback and return with a revised ordinance at the April meeting. Commissioner Bobby Stewart, who oversees code enforcement work in the county, was recognized for helping draft the changes.

On transportation and economic development, the court agreed to pursue grant funding and to assume control of a gravel connector known as South Commerce Drive. Officials said paving and widening that road would connect Old U.S. 60 through Addington to East Park and allow more efficient access to industrial acreage being developed with new water and sewer lines.

The court accepted a new medical-services contract for the Boyd County Detention Center with Correction Care in Kentucky, a Kentucky-based provider the court said began in February 2018 and now serves roughly 58 counties in the state. A county speaker identified as Bill said the vendor will retain most current staff while expanding the medical services the county needs.

The court also approved a state grant application and local match for a parks resurfacing project under the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s crumb-rubber program. The county’s estimated share for the Shelter 5 Americans with Disabilities Act playground resurfacing was listed as $13,956 toward a total project cost of $55,924; the grant covers about 75 percent and the county approximately 25 percent.

Other approved items included: a pay application for a Westwood Fire Department grant, a resolution authorizing the Boyd County Judge Executive to apply for and accept funds from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS) for new Axon tasers, an interlocal agreement to participate in the regional Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) activities, and a TINCO workforce-alignment resolution.

The court held an executive session on a legal matter and returned to open session with no action taken. Ceremonial items included a proclamation naming a March day for Rusty Bowling and an Arbor Day proclamation for April 4, 2025.

Votes at a glance (each recorded by roll call): - Approve minutes (Feb. 11 & March 6): approved (Commissioner Stapleton: yes; Commissioner Holbrook: yes; Commissioner Salisbury: yes; Judge Chaney: yes). - Approve submitted bills and transfers: approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Accept Sheriff’s 2024 annual settlement (receipts reported): approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Approve pay application for Westwood Fire Department grant: approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Approve one-year $195,000 revolving line of credit: approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Proclamation: Rusty Bowling Day (ceremonial proclamation): approved/declared by the court (recorded unanimous yes). - Proclamation: Arbor Day (April 4, 2025): approved/declared by the court (recorded unanimous yes). - Enter executive session to discuss legal matter: approved; returned to open session with no action taken. - Approve Boyd County Detention Center medical-services contract (contract award): approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Code enforcement ordinance — first reading: passed first reading to continue drafting and public review (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Approve crumb-rubber playground grant application and match (grant acceptance/authorization): approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Approve KOHS grant application/resolution (Axon tasers): approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Approve interlocal cooperative agreement (regional WIOA participation): approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Approve TINCO workforce resolution (workforce alignment support): approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Accept South Commerce Drive into county road system and pursue improvements/grants: approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes). - Adjournment in honor of Anna Stevens (memorial adjournment): approved (Stapleton: yes; Holbrook: yes; Salisbury: yes; Chaney: yes).

What court members said: Judge Eric Chaney described the line of credit as a short-term measure while LGEA receipts fluctuate, saying the bank will “hold the debt” while the county applies incoming LGEA funds to projects. A county staff member identified as Bill described the detention-center vendor as Kentucky-based Correction Care in Kentucky and said the firm “can offer to expand their medical stuff where we need to be.”

Public comment and transparency: Residents used the community-comment period to press for stronger code enforcement in Westwood, citing junk vehicles and blighted properties along Potter Street. A resident also asked the court to press federal representatives about a possible closing of the Carl Perkins federal building in Ashland. Election costs and efficiencies were discussed in public comment; the county’s election official said recent vote centers reduced costs and put the November election advertising and polling-worker expenses at roughly $39,000 per election, down from earlier totals described by commenters.

Next steps: Court members said the code-enforcement ordinance will receive a deeper review before the April meeting; staff will continue to pursue grants for South Commerce Drive improvements and the parks resurfacing project. The court’s next meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2025.