Fleming County declares emergency for two roadway slips, hires Pettit Contracting

Fleming County Fiscal Court declared an emergency July 13 for roadway slippages on Upper Rock Lick Road and Markwell Road and unanimously authorized Pettit Contracting to carry out repairs.

The court found that recent rain events caused slippage that could pose public harm to residents, school transports, emergency services and postal delivery if not repaired before additional rainfall. The motion to declare an emergency noted that competition was not feasible because only a limited number of local contractors have the required manpower and equipment, and that Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC) emergency funds were available to help cover repair costs. The court approved noncompetitive negotiation “to allow the contract for the services through noncompetitive negotiation because competition to let the contract is not feasible and an emergency exists which will cause public harm to delay the project with competitive bidding procedure,” as recorded in the minutes.

After declaring the emergency, the court voted to approve Pettit Contracting to repair both roadway slips and authorized payment of invoices upon completion. The action was recorded as approved unanimously.

County Treasurer Kathy Dryden presented financial context earlier in the meeting, reporting total county funds of $3,688,838.05, including an ARPA balance the minutes list as $1,416,241.43. The minutes indicate that the county’s regular budget did not contain funds specifically available for these repairs and that KTC emergency assistance was identified as a funding source.

The court’s minutes say the emergency declaration was made pursuant to the Procurement Code to permit noncompetitive negotiation; no bid amounts or contract cost estimates were recorded in the minutes. The court did not record individual vote tallies beyond noting unanimous approval.