At a special called meeting of Caldwell County Fiscal Court Friday morning, magistrates authorized the payment of a bond note connected to the December 2021 tornado and approved licensing criteria for solar energy systems, and revisions to the policies and procedures at the local animal shelter.
Without any discussion, magistrates unanimously approved the bond anticipation note of over $4.2 million as presented by Judge-Executive Kota Young.
click to download audioDuring other new business, magistrates heard the initial reading of an ordinance outlining licensing criteria for solar energy systems. Judge Young clarified that this ordinance would formalize the state’s setbacks and other regulations, and establish a local review board to oversee compliance with county ordinances for proposed solar energy systems. He proceeded to read the ordinance, which detailed the setbacks for solar energy systems.
click to download audioThe magistrates unanimously approved the ordinance without any discussion. Young mentioned that the second reading of the ordinance will take place at the next Fiscal Court meeting.
In another development, Judge Young thanked Magistrates Jeff Boone and Jeff Simms for their efforts in revising the policies and procedures at the Caldwell County Animal Shelter. He proceeded to introduce the first reading of the ordinance, which included modifying the operating hours at the shelter.
click to download audioIt also adjusts the fees for services offered by the shelter.
click to download audioAfter the vote, Magistrate Simms recognized the City of Princeton for their contribution to purchasing a used van for the animal shelter and the ongoing work being carried out.
click to download audioMagistrate Boone echoed Simms’ remarks and also expressed gratitude to the local law enforcement agencies for their support of the animal shelter.
In other new business, magistrates unanimously approved the Sheriff’s Fee Settlement for Calendar Year 2023 for approximately $347,438 and an order setting maximum salaries for Calendar Year 2024 for the Clerk’s Office at $300,000, up from $297,000.
Furthermore, Magistrate Simms delivered a report regarding a petition for the inclusion of Wildwood Point Road in the county’s road system. He stated that after a committee assessed the road and consulted with Caldwell County Road Department Supervisor David Waldrum, the committee unanimously decided against incorporating the road into the county’s road system due to it not meeting the necessary criteria. Residents residing on the road, Kelsey Crisp and Serieta Jaggers, who were present at the meeting, disagreed with this conclusion and contended that Simms was misinterpreting the county’s ordinance.
WPKY’s News Edge will have more from the Caldwell Fiscal Court meeting next week.
