EKB News

KENTUCKY....
The Pike County Fiscal Court heard it first reading of the proposed budget for FY 2010-2011 during its regular meeting on June 1. Facing a multi-million dollar shortfall because of decreased coal severance and minerals taxes, Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford and the rest of the fiscal court have been working diligently to make sure no jobs are cut, no taxes increased and no change in health insurance coverage. This year’s budget of $35.5 million is down from $40.3 million a year ago and cuts have been made to ensure a balanced budget is submitted to the state for approval, which is required by law. Rutherford said the opening of five new mining operations around the county will be a boom to our economy, creating jobs and increasing coal severance funds. To combat the shortfall, salaries have been frozen and cost of living raises suspended. The magistrates voluntarily gave up their cost of living raises, and although Judge Rutherford offered to take a 5 percent pay cut, he was told by Pike County Treasurer Johnda Billiter he could not take a voluntary pay cut because his salary is state mandated. Overtime has been cut out and the purchase of new vehicles and equipment has been suspended. Travel has been limited to only the elected officials, directors and commissioners when necessary. More cost-cutting came from the Mountain Pub-Links Golf Course, which will have to pay its own way this year, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney budget was decreased by $18,000. Constables’ travel reimbursements have been cut to $600 a month from $1,000 a month, but they will no longer have their duties in regard to solid waste. One contracted position has been eliminated. Rutherford said by the third quarter of this fiscal year the county’s budget makers should be able to get a good idea of what Fiscal Year 2011-2012’s budget will look like.