Trigg County magistrates got a snapshot of fiscal responsibility Monday night, when they unanimously approved the first reading of the 2023-24 fiscal year budget presented by Treasurer Lucy Oliver Kyler.
In total, Kyler said an increase of just 1.4% from this year to last was necessary, taking the checkbook from $14.2 million to almost $14.5 million.
The total general fund has been set near $5.9 million, and takes care of general government, health and sanitation, protection of persons and property, recreation, culture and debt service for the county.
Kyler noted a few specific general budget line items were worth highlighting:
— More than $90,000 has been earmarked for Trigg County Clerk’s office polling equipment. This will be fully reimbursed.
— An E-911 Dispatch Grant, valued at $56,000, comes at a 90/10 match.
— A Trigg County Recreation Complex repair budget of $100,000 is also being accounted.
— More than $180,000 is allotted for projects at the Senior Citizens Center.
— More than $3 million is in line for developmental projects and fiber internet expansion, through ARPA funds.
— And more than $90,000 is expected to come through this year for the state’s opioid settlement. Kyler said these funds are “extremely restrictive,” and that they won’t be paid in full until 2038.
The blessing this season, Kyler said, is that Trigg County has been responsible and efficient, with more than $2 million coming as general fund carryover from the last fiscal year.
Two ongoing liabilities remain in play for the county’s budget: the Trigg County Hospital and the Trigg County Senior Citizen’s Center.
Issued February 25, 2016 as a 15-year contract, TCH debt remains at $1.18 million in principal and $147,900 in interest. The next payment, totaled for $166,850, is due December 20, 2023.
Issued January 1, 2011 as a 30-year contract, the SCC has $458,750 in principal and $207,105 remaining. Its next payment of $41,844 is due July 1, 2023.
According to Kyler and Judge-Executive Stan Humphries, the budget has changed quite a bit since his last tenure in the seat.
Another line item in the budget addresses the need for military appreciation and support this year. It’s something, Humphries said, needs to be in the form of a permanent military memorial recognizing all branches of the Armed Forces, and all local citizens who served.
Furthermore, Humphries said the recent tragic events of March 29 need to be properly honored in this endeavor, but that this event isn’t a catalyst.
He’s wanted a better memorial all along, but it’s all about location — two of which he has in mind, and the Complex isn’t one of them.
A second reading with potential amendments will come May 15.
In other court news:
— Following the stepping away of John Sumner and Stephanie Perry, magistrates fully approved for Beth Sumner and Todd Wallace to take on the unexpired terms, and new three-year terms, on the Pennyrile Area Development District board.
— The county’s tire amnesty program is planned for April 27 and 28 at the Trigg County Road Department. They need to be tires from the local community, and it’ll be running from 7:30 AM until 3 PM each day. Humphries noted smaller tires with rims can be brought, but to leave larger rims at home.
