Spencer County rescinds earlier comp-time payment motion, discusses policy overhaul and creates a judge's office assistant position

On Jan. 21 the Spencer County Fiscal Court rescinded a prior motion related to compensatory (comp) time and discussed changes to county policy after guidance from the County Attorney and the county treasurer.

County Attorney Corey Thomas cautioned that unchecked comp-time accrual — if cashed out in large amounts — can create severe fiscal strain, citing examples from other Kentucky counties. The treasurer told the Court accurate timekeeping records and limits on carryover were essential to avoid an accounting “nightmare.” The Court’s packet noted the county’s current comp/personal time cap is 240 hours for employees who use comp time.

Following discussion, Magistrate Esq. Cotton moved to rescind the earlier motion about comp-time payment; Esq. Pharris seconded and the motion passed by voice vote with one member absent. Court members emphasized the need to consult Road Department staff (the largest users of comp time) before finalizing any policy changes and to consider an electronic timekeeping system.

Separately, the Court approved the Judge’s request to create a new full-time assistant position in the County Judge Executive’s office at $17.50 per hour; the motion to authorize the hire passed by voice vote. The Court also approved hiring Roger Taylor as a deputy jailer under specified per-run and per-hour rates.

What’s next: The Judge and treasurer will meet with Road Department staff and prepare recommended policy language and implementation options for future Court consideration.