Fiscal Court on Thursday heard the first reading of an ordinance to keep tax rates in Daviess County the same for the new fiscal year.
County Treasurer Jim Hendrix said although an assessment from the state and from the Department of Local Government said they could have raised their rates to 4%, the county is in a solid enough financial position that it wasn’t necessary.
“After a review of both the current financial position for the county and our expected financial position for the next couple of years, the preference that was indicated to me was to leave all of the ad valorem rates the same as last year with no increase,” Hendrix said. “My opinion is that leaving the rates the same as last year will absolutely generate enough revenue for us to manage the Fiscal Year 22 budget, so I see no negative issue from that.”
The tax ordinance was prepared with all the ad valorem rates staying exactly the same as they were. Per $100 of value, rates are: real estate, 13.4 cents; tangible personal property, 16.37 cents; motor vehicle, 17 cents; and watercraft, 17 cents.
The second reading and public hearing will be on Aug 19.
Commissioners also approved a lease agreement with the Friends of the Ohio County Animal Shelter for Daviess County to temporarily use the spay/neuter facilities in Hartford.
Fiscal Court previously approved the hiring of Julie Gray as the county veterinarian, as part of a larger effort to open a spay/neuter clinic at the Animal Shelter in Daviess County. However, the local clinic is not ready, so the lease agreement will allow Gray to get started by utilizing the facilities in Hartford on days they are typically closed.
In other business, commissioners approved the addition of a tornado siren pole at the intersection of Roy Clark Road and KY 144. Officials said it’s a maximum coverage area, and the siren is expected to be able to notify 370 households.
Additionally, commissioners approved the following:
- All claims for all departments
- Treasurer’s report and settlement for the Fiscal Year 2021
- Fund transfers
- Daviess County Fiscal Court rate schedule
- Resolution No. 11-2021 and Rural Secondary Program Flex Funds Agreement
- Proposal for preparation of 2021 Landfarm Annual Report by Weaver Engineering
- Contract with Axiom Architecture for Kirtley Annex renovation design services
- Declaration of covenants and restrictions for LWCF Agreement #21-01558
- Public safety radio system site use lease agreements with:
- VB-S1 Assets, LLC
- Tillman Infrastructure, LLC
- Amendment #1 to professional services contract with Trott Communications for implementation support of public safety radio system
- AmeriCorps host agency agreement benefitting Daviess County parks
- Revoke RFQ 06-2021 and Award RFQ 11-2021: Trap & Skeet Targets (Gun Club)
- Award the following bids:
- RFQ 09-2021: Surgical Equipment (Animal Control)
- RFQ 10-2021: Clay Target Support Tower Project (Gun Club)
- Bid No. 14-2021: Bulk 12 Gauge Shotgun Ammunition (Gun Club)
- Bid No. 18-2021: One (1) New Single Bale Wrapper (Landfill)
- Hire Tony Rowe as seasonal park attendant
- Reappoint to the Daviess County Animal Care and Control Board; Term: 8/7/21–8/7/25
- Pattie Martin
- Dr. Patrick Marsh
- Rheonna Johnson
- Carol Alvey
