May 12—On Tuesday morning, the Madison County Fiscal Court met and ratified the County Road Aid agreement for the 2023 fiscal year.

With Resolution 2022-61, the Madison County Fiscal Court accepted a co-op program contract between themselves and the Kentucky Department of Transportation's Department of Municipal Aid. The fiscal court accepted that all roads and streets mentioned in the contract are part of the county road system, as well as all other agreements in the contract.

"I'm glad to see this year that the aid we're receiving has gone up. We're at $1.6 million this year. In the past several years we've been down from that. And of course everything here is tied to the gasoline tax. Higher prices have shown what they're returning to this year. We're glad to see that we'll be able to accomplish a little more this year," said Magistrate Tom Botkin.

The court noted that the money will not just be going to blacktopping, but runs the road department, meaning it covers mowing, ditching, culverts, snow removal, and other projects. It will be paid in three installments. Three percent of those funds will be going into the county's emergency fund.

Resolution 2022-62 saw the fiscal court ratify an agreement between the Bluegrass Army Depot and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Division of Waste Management to continue using a host liaison between Madison County and the depot.

Craig Williams will remain in this position he has been in for over 20 years, in a two year contract starting July 1, 2022 and ending on June 30, 2024. With the Department of Waste Management paying him $100,000 for the duration of the contract, not exceeding $50,000 a year.

The liaison acts as a point of contact between the community and the depot for community relations, emergency planning, and community oversight over the construction, operation, closure, and emergency response to the depot.

"Craig Williams has been in this role for 20 plus years or longer amd does an outstanding job and always keeps us informed," said other fiscal court guy," said Magistrate John Tudor.

A proclamation was read at the Fiscal Court meeting recognizing National Hospital Week, with representatives from Saint Joseph Berea and Baptist Health Richmond attending the meeting.

"Whereas Saint Joseph Berea and Baptist Health Richmond serve Madison County with integrity, compassion, respect, and accountability by providing quality care, education, and leadership to patients, families, and visitors," Judge Executive Reagan Taylor said. "And whereas hospitals celebrates the men and women who improve the health of our communities through dedication and compassionate patient care. And whereas these healthcare workers support our community by creating programs, performing tests, dispensing medication, planning meals, cleaning rooms, assisting in surgery and countless other duties to improve health and wellness. And whereas they celebrate hope and healing and help miracles happen every day. And whereas caring is one of the most important callings, it's always in season. Whereas two simple words have never been more important — thank you."

Taylor and the fiscal court then proclaimed May 8-14 National Hospital Week in Madison County. A prayer was then said for all the healthcare workers in the county.

The fiscal court also accepted a bid on an upgrade for audio visual equipment at the Emergency Operations Center. Two bids were placed for the operation, with the court and EMA accepting a bid from ADT Commercial at $188,874.06. The bid was $45,000 cheaper than an alternative bid from Strategic Communications. As a CSEPP project, the new equipment is completely funded by a federal grant.

County Clerk Kenny Barger reminded the court that early voting is about to begin on Thursday May, 12. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m in three locations, the Russel Acton Folk Center in Berea, the Richmond Branch of the Madison County Clerk's office, and the Madison County Extension office. Any registered voter can vote at any of those three locations on the above date and time.

The next fiscal court meeting will be held on May 24 at the Richmond Courthouse.

Other business:

—A seasonal grounds maintenance position at the golf course was was hired on a salary of $10.50 an hour with a start date of May 11, 2022.

—A new full-time admin for the Planning and Development with a salary of $14.00 an hour was hired with a start date of May 11, 2022. It was noted that the last three employees of Planning and Development to leave their jobs left for childcare issues.

—A full-time custodial position with a starting salary of $13.00 and a start date of May 18, 2022 was hired, provided the employee passed screening procedure.