Price of inmates’ meals questioned

Discussion of paying $8 per meal for Fulton County Detention Center inmates on work release was discussed at the Fulton County Fiscal Court meeting on Jan. 18 with Magistrates Jim Paitsel, Wade Adams, Hugh Caldwell, Shaun Parks, and Fulton County Judge/Executive Jim Martin attending.

“Why are we still buying meals for the inmates when we can feed them a bag lunch for $1.15?” Magistrate Paitsel asked.

Fulton County Jailer Stephen Williams said, “It is still reimbursed. You are welcome to come and look at the documentation. Do you have someone to bring the bagged meals to us?”

Magistrate Adams stated, “I’m in agreement with Magistrate Paitsel.

“I have eaten many a cold bologna sandwich and did just fine for the day,” Adams said.

“The State reimburses $5 per meal, mileage, and payment for the officer,” Williams said.

Paitsel made a motion to provide the work crews with a bag meal for $1.15, with Adams seconded the motion. Magistrates Caldwell and Parks voted no. Judge Martin cast the deciding vote being no.

Paitsel asked County Attorney Rick Major about starting the process for collecting $50,000 from Ricky Parnell.

“I am working on this with different lawyers and it is also allowed to be registered in Tennessee,” Major said.

Fulton County Clerk Naomi Jones presented her Quarterly Report for October – December 2021.

“I have been given an extension from the State. I will have $16,900 in excess fees to turn over to the Court. I would like to ask that the Fiscal Court buy some back-up batteries for the computers in the office and pens for public use for $850. I had ordered, but the credit card company cancelled the order,” Jones said.

Magistrates approved the Clerk’s Quarterly Report.

During discussion of the County Treasurer’s Report, Paitsel asked, “Why are we still paying interest on the credit card?”

Judge Martin said, “ We can’t get the new cards until after we have an audit. We’re going to fix it and I’m tired of you asking every month about this. You wanted to change banks and this has been happening since you voted to transfer the money.”

Paitsel was opposed to paying the Pioneer phone line as well, as he noted it is no longer a working line. Judge Martin said this month would be the final time the county would receive a bill for the line, as it has now been disconnected.

Magistrates approved Transfers, Fulton County employees, and a Contract for the 2021 Emergency Management Program Funds.

The Summit Foods Contract with Fulton County Detention Center was discussed, with the current contract being extended month-to-month since 2018.

“Summit Foods would like a contract,” Williams said.

Magistrates instructed Williams to extend the contract for three months to give time to bid for competitive pricing.

The Contract with Republic Services for Debris Disposition was discussed to pay for debris disposal with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) reimbursement at $65.50 per cubic ton.

Magistrates also voted to have the dumpster brought to Cayce the beginning of February for debris, instead of waiting until the Spring. The dumpster will not be for garbage.

The Court voted to implement a County-Wide Early Warning System with the sirens to be located in seven locations.

“Fulton already has sirens. We are looking at placing five in and around Hickman because of the topography, one at Cayce, and one at Crutchfield,” Martin said.

“Fulton should be included also,” Paitsel said.

“This is county-wide and Fulton is included. They already have a siren. We are looking at getting the whole County covered,” Martin said.

Magistrates approved the Kentucky Emergency Management Time and Attendance official time sheet for Fulton County Emergency Management.

Other items of business discussed at the meeting included:

Paitsel reported, “I have been in contact with a broadband representative that would like to come to the February meeting to give a 10 minute presentation and have 20 minutes for questions and answers.”

Fulton County Jailer Williams has a request from CAM Electric for $1,650 per year for maintenance on the generator at the jail. Magistrates approved the Jailer to enter into the contract.

Magistrate Parks asked, “Who is in charge of the sign in the Lower Bottom at the boat ramp?”

Fulton County Road Foreman Alan Parker will contact Fish and Wildlife to see about replacing, if not, the Court will.

Discussion of the Fulton County Fire and Rescue building was heard.

“Fiscal Court can get a check for $341,326.66 for the building. This doesn’t include the content, which was insured by the Fulton County Fire and Rescue,” Martin said.

“I’m comfortable with the officer,” Fulton County Fire and Rescue Chief Wade Adams said.

Fulton County Fire and Rescue will proceed with a design build and bring to the next meeting of the Court.

Judge Martin talked about the State’s six year Highway Plan for Fulton County.

“The numbers can change every two years. There are 10 proposals for $43,427,744 covering everything in Fulton County in association with I-69.

Fulton County Attorney Major will work on a simple nuisance ordinance to allow the County to make findings for debris removal on private property and bring to the next Fiscal Court meeting.

The Debris Removal contractor has been in the County working and has a monitor follow every truck hauling debris off.

“They removed 3100 cubic yards of debris the first three days and the bill is for $139,046.33, with Fulton County’s share being $18,076.02,” Martin said.

“I met with the Community Foundation of Western Kentucky yesterday and they appear to be the group to work with. The Cayce Redevelopment group would be a good group to work under them to help with funding for rebuilding Cayce,” Martin said.

Martin continued, “We would like to build 20 homes in Cayce and we need temporary homes for residents to come back to.”

“A fundraiser for Cayce residents was held Jan. 15, at the National Guard Armory in Union City with $27,000 raised and turned over to the Cayce Baptist Tornado Relief Fund, bringing the total to $130,000 raised thus far,” Martin said.

“We have had volunteers from everywhere. The Minuteman from Texas, a group from Oregon, Coffey’s Construction donating their equipment and time, the local farmers. We can’t say enough of the volunteers that have come to help. Compass 82 has been here three times and Melanie Atwill is working with them. Compass 82 is who helped to get in contact with the Community Foundation of Western Kentucky, and the Amish. They are rarely on site before six months following a disaster and they were here weeks following the tornado,” Martin said.

There will be a public hearing Jan. 21, at 9 a.m., on the Gibson Electric building.

Martin said, “This is the last step before sending the application to the State.”

“We have spent less than $9,000 on the storage building behind the Gibson building for insulation and heating and Gibson is giving us early possession and could possibly move into the storage building this week for the food pantry,” Martin said. “We can use ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money for the building and we should have custody of the building by April 1.”

Martin reported Fulton County has a commitment for funding from Frankfort for Cayce to apply for a $500,000 Black Grant.

“We are starting to get Invoices from the debris contractor. Would the Court like to borrow money from our sinking fund, get a line of credit at the bank, ask KACo (Kentucky Association of Counties), or find another source to pay?” Martin asked.

Magistrates voted to seek bids from four local banks and KACo to pay the debris contractor.