Fiscal Court approves tornado cleanup oversight, several new hires
At its regular meeting Thursday morning, the Laurel County Fiscal Court approved several items related to tornado recovery and county operations for the upcoming fiscal year.
Judge-Executive David Westerfield received approval to bring in DRC Emergency Services to oversee remaining tornado debris cleanup through local subcontractors. He was also authorized to hire a company to handle FEMA documentation related to the cleanup, as well as a monitoring company to meet FEMA requirements for debris removal tracking.
As for personnel matters, multiple new hires were approved. Jordan Dalrymple, who will serve as retirement clerk, will enter her role on June 16. Dalrymple will earn $21 per hour for the position.
Following the retirement of two road department employees, the department saw two new hires — William Antrim and Billy Goforth. Antrim will earn $15 per hour, whereas Goforth will make $14 an hour due to not having his CDL (commercial driver's license).
Further, six temporary employees will be hired to haul debris, each earning $30 an hour.
In new business, the court approved bids for materials to be used during the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
During the county treasurer's report, several transfers and approvals were made, including:
— Approval of May claims with no discussion.
— An intra-fund transfer, also approved without discussion.
— The adoption of standing orders for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
— The closure of the county's ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) account after funds were fully allocated and spent.
The cash transfer report included $500,000 from the occupational tax fund to the road fund, $299,848.67 from the ARPA fund to general fund, and $800,000 from the occupational tax fund to general fund.
Judge Westerfield closed Thursday's meeting by thanking those involved with tornado relief efforts.
'I just appreciate everybody in the county for pulling together and trying to help these people,' Westerfield stated.
The Laurel County Fiscal Court regularly meets at 8:45 a.m. on the second Monday and 9:30 a.m. on the final Thursday of each month. The fiscal court's next meeting will take place Monday, June 9.
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