Spencer County approves KIA draw, loans $25,000 to sanitation district and names KIPDA project administrator

The Spencer County Fiscal Court on Jan. 21 approved routine draw requests and short-term financing tied to the Spencer County Sanitation District Phase 1 project, and voted to engage the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency as project administrator.

The Court considered a KIA (Kentucky Infrastructure Authority) draw that listed purchases including a generator for Pump Station #1, piping for UV treatment and a mini-split unit. During discussion County Attorney Corey Thomas reviewed the draw paperwork and Judge Scott Travis and multiple magistrates questioned elements of the project timeline and design. Magistrate Esq. Jim Travis said he wanted a special meeting with the sanitation district and recommended semiannual check-ins on expenditures and project direction.

The Court approved the draw by voice vote after a motion from Esq. Travis and a second from Esq. Cotton. The motion text recorded at the meeting listed an approved draw amount of $32,495.44; however, the draw packet included in the meeting materials listed a different total ($29,395.44) for the same items. The Court did not state a correction on the record; the motion passed with all present voting “aye” except for the absent magistrate, Esq. Stump. The minutes and packet remain on file in the judge’s office for verification.

Separately, the Court voted to loan the Spencer County Sanitation District $25,000 to be reimbursed, citing the district’s immediate operational funding needs. Judge Scott Travis and County Attorney Corey Thomas explained the loan was a temporary cash-flow measure; the motion carried by voice vote with the same attendance pattern.

Also on the agenda, the Court approved a Memorandum of Understanding with KIPDA to serve as project administrator for the KIA award associated with the sanitation project. The MOU, authorized by motion from Esq. Travis, sets a not-to-exceed payment to KIPDA of $35,000 and outlines milestones, recordkeeping and termination provisions. The document specifies billing milestones (start and completion percentages) and requires KIPDA to prepare environmental documents, assist with procurement, submit draw requests and maintain project files. The MOU was approved by voice vote with no recorded opposing votes.

Documents related to the KIA draw, the loan and the KIPDA MOU were noted as on file in the County Judge Executive’s office. Judge Travis said he wanted closer coordination with the sanitation district to ensure oversight and to review the design choice made by the district’s board.

What’s next: County staff and the sanitation district will coordinate scheduling for the special meeting Judge Travis requested; KIPDA is authorized to begin administrative work under the MOU and will invoice the County per the milestone schedule in the agreement.