Perry County fiscal court approves routine bills, hires grants staff and clears economic development grant application

Perry County fiscal court on Thursday approved routine business items, appointed a new grants department employee and authorized the county to pursue a federal-state economic development grant application.

The court voted to approve the minutes of its previous meeting and to clear bills, invoices and transfers to be reported to the Department for Local Government. Chair (S2) handled motions and roll-call procedures; all items were approved with no recorded opposition.

The court approved hiring Lisa Napier to the grants department, retroactive to her start date. Chair (S2) said, "Lisa has her CDBG certification. She has years of experience in administration of grants, which is a great addition for our grant department." The hire was approved by motion and second.

Lawmakers also approved a resolution authorizing Perry County to apply to the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) for $1,000,000 in forgivable economic development funding tied to a county-owned former FedEx building in the industrial park. Chair (S2) said the funding would make the county more competitive when recruiting prospective clients and could reimburse certain project costs.

Other routine actions included approving title insurance services for the NRCS EWPP home buyout program with Bankers Title of Central Kentucky LLC, approving turnover of a $20.25 fee settlement from the sheriff's department, and approving excess fees reported by the Perry County clerk. Several items were presented as motions, seconded and carried without opposition.

The court ended the session after recognizing emergency service departments for their monthly reports and congratulating the Hazard Bulldogs on a regional championship appearance.

The court adjourned after completing the posted agenda.