Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fiscal Court Actions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Franklin County Fiscal Court approves budgets, zoning change and employee pay increases; tables proposed working groups
Summary
At its Dec. 19 meeting, the Franklin County Fiscal Court approved sheriff budget items, two easements, three ordinances (including a zoning change), a fire compensation plan and a 3% pay increase for certain county employees, authorized short-term certificates of deposit and voted to enter a closed session on real property deliberations.
County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller presided over the Franklin County Fiscal Court meeting on Dec. 19, 2024, where the court approved a series of budgets, ordinances and administrative actions.
The court approved minutes from the Dec. 11 regular meeting and adopted several sheriff-related budget measures, including participation in the State Advancement Program for 2025, the Lump Sum Fee Officials Budget for 2025, and the Annual Order Setting Maximum Amount for Deputies and Assistants for 2025. Those motions were moved and seconded by members of the court and passed with the listed members voting in favor.
The court adopted Resolution No. 50-2024, as amended, to authorize filing a supplemental application for 2024–2025 Household Hazardous Waste Management Grant funds with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (Division of Waste Management).
Two easements with the Frankfort Plant Board were authorized: one at 355 Flat Creek Road (Parcel No. 031-00-00-039.01) and another at 9191 Owenton Road (Parcel No. 071-00-00-003.04).
On ordinances, the court on second reading adopted Ordinance No. 12-2024 (repealing Ordinance No. 11-2022 and establishing updated procedures for collection, disbursement and enforcement of a Transient Room Tax), Ordinance No. 13-2024 (amending the county’s action effectuating withdrawal from the Frankfort-Franklin County Tourist and Convention Commission and establishing a Franklin County Sports Tourism Commission) and Ordinance No. 14-2024 (rezoning 27.02 acres at 6761, 6765 and 6759 US 127 North from Rural Residential to Agricultural). For Ordinances 12-2024 and 13-2024 the record shows Squire Eric Whisman voting present rather than in favor; all other votes on those ordinances were recorded as approving.
A motion to table two separate ordinance matters until May 14, 2025, and to establish working groups to develop memoranda of agreement and interlocal agreements (one relating to the transient room tax procedures and one relating to the tourism commission withdrawal and creation of a sports tourism commission) failed after receiving only two votes in favor.
The court gave first reading to an ordinance updating permit and review fees in Chapter 150 (planning, zoning and building codes department).
The court approved a new compensation plan for the Fire Department and a 3% pay increase for employees under the direct supervision of the County Judge/Executive across specified departments, including the County Judge’s staff, County Attorney’s office, Coroner’s office, Human Resources, Planning/Zoning, Maintenance, IT, Dog Warden, Treasurer, Occupational Tax, Friend of Court, Community Development, Solid Waste, Park (clerical), Road, Jail, and Fire Administrative (Chief and Admin).
Financial actions included authorizing the Treasurer to open certificates of deposit on behalf of Fiscal Court: $6,000,000 for 30 days; $3,500,000 for 60 days; and $3,500,000 for six months, each to obtain the best available rate. The court also approved an American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund written justification, received the Treasurer’s report, and approved cash transfers for fiscal year 2024–2025. Bills were ordered paid and no claim was denied as part of the session.
The court voted unanimously to enter a closed session under KRS 61.810(1)(b) to deliberate on the future acquisition or sale of real property, returned to open session by unanimous vote, and then adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
Votes at a glance: The minutes record the mover and seconder for each motion and list those voting in favor; where noted, Squire Eric Whisman is recorded as voting present on Ordinances 12-2024 and 13-2024. Motions to table the two working-group items failed (two in favor, five opposed). Many other motions passed unanimously with the listed members voting in favor.
Next steps: Several items were second-read and adopted and thus will proceed according to their enactment provisions; the two proposed working groups were not established and were not tabled. The first reading on fee updates will return for further consideration on a subsequent meeting.
