The Caldwell County Fiscal Court tackled a full agenda on Tuesday, covering burn ban penalties, funding updates, and several key appointments.
Judge Executive Kota Young said he’s been working with the Webster County Conservation District, the lead sponsor for the Emergency Watershed Program project for the Middle Tradewater River impacted by the Memorial Day weekend 2024 tornadoes.
click to download audioYoung pointed out that the project is located just downstream from the Interstate 69 bridge, which experienced its first-ever spring flooding this year.
Magistrates also unanimously approved appointing the Road Department Committee to serve as the bid review committee for the Middle Tradewater River project.
In new business, magistrates passed an ordinance establishing penalties for burn ban violations, after Young learned the county didn’t have one in place.
Fire Chief Brent Francis said the new penalties should deter those who ignore burn bans, which cost the county money when the fire department responds. He clarified the penalties target intentional violations and would not apply to accidental fires, like equipment mishaps or typical cooking fires.
click to download audioMagistrates approved the first reading of a $383,400 General Fund budget amendment, reflecting new receipts from three grants.
click to download audioThe Fiscal Court appointed Kate Prince to a two-year term on the Caldwell County Board of Health beginning January 1, 2026, and named James Noel to fill the remainder of Larry Curling’s term on the Princeton-Caldwell County Industrial Development Authority Board, expiring June 25, 2028, after he resigned from the Board.
WPKY’s News Edge will provide further coverage from the Fiscal Court meeting in the coming days, including updates on a grant application for Industrial Building #4 and the status of the Old Health Department property surplus, along with information that was shared about local gas prices.
