Franklin County fiscal court accepts FY24 report, secures federal fire grant and approves fire apparatus purchase and multiple personnel actions

Franklin County's fiscal court voted to accept the treasurer's final financial statements for fiscal year 2024, moved forward with equipment and personnel actions for the county's public-safety departments and advanced a zoning ordinance on first reading at its regular meeting.

Treasurer Amy told the court that total revenue for FY24 was $44,700,000 and total expenses $35,800,000, leaving the county with higher reserves after accounting for restricted funds. "After deducting those [restricted monies], the fiscal court has a notable increase in our reserves," she said, reporting a $1,500,000 increase and total reserves of $14,000,000 as of June 30, 2024. Members credited department heads and tighter budget management for the results.

The court also heard that the county won a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant. Tammy announced, "we did receive funds in the amount of $104,400," and said the fire department's match will be $16,763; the award is expected to purchase 17 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) and 41 face masks. The court later voted to award the SCBA procurement to the low bidder and to authorize the fire department to enter an agreement to secure purchase of a new fire apparatus.

Chief Brewer described the apparatus procurement as time-sensitive because current build times run two to three years. He said the vendor has an apparatus on the line with an estimated completion in spring'summer 2026; contract language and venue language were questioned by members after the contract showed a Manassas, Va., address and a Woodford Circuit venue clause. Brewer said staff provided an updated contract naming Franklin County.

On personnel, the court approved the promotion of Chris Brown to captain and the hire of Malekai Zeller as a firefighter and approved several jail promotions and other personnel motions. The court also authorized a change order for the road-department facility to add a concrete apron at bay doors; differing figures for the work appeared in discussion (estimates discussed included about $7,500 plus markup and an $8,600 estimate), and the formal motion that passed authorized the judge to sign a change order "not to exceed $9,000." The record therefore reflects differing preliminary estimates but a final approved cap of $9,000.

Planning staff presented a new rural heritage mixed-use zoning district designed to function in part like a planned-unit development and to include preservation components; the planning commission recommended approval and the ordinance was taken up on first reading only.

Other votes included authorization to amend HMB Engineering's professional-services contract to add grant-related scope language (with future, specific scopes to return for approval), acceptance of the county clerk's quarterly report, engagement of Charles T. Mitchell for FY24 audit services, declaration of surplus sheriff equipment for sale on GovDeals, and partial denials and holds on enumerated payment claims pending follow-up on contract percentage-of-completion questions.

Clerk Jeff reminded the court that election planning for November will be a countywide effort, warning that misinformation is the largest operational risk this fall and urging elected officials to help correct inaccurate reports.

The court closed by scheduling follow-up work: staff were asked to provide clarifying information on any invoices the court pulled for further review, to confirm details of the fire-apparatus contract and liquidated-damages/performance-bond options, and to prepare monthly jail staffing and vacancy reports at the request of several members. The ordinance will return for second reading at a future meeting.