SALYERSVILLE – The Magoffin County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Tuesday, February 18, discussing the recent weather events and project updates.
The court approved the to transfer $60,000 from the general fund to the jail fund.
Magoffin County Deputy Judge Kevin Howard updated the court on ongoing projects, explaining the weather has made work a challenge. At Ramey Memorial Park, he said the concrete has been poured for a shelter, and the tables have been assembled, and when the weather allows, they will be setting those up where they go.
They’ve ordered the equipment for the new playground at the park, with delivery set for mid-to-late March.
At the community center, Howard said they are preparing the area for the new parking lot.
At Battlefield Park, he said they have poured concrete for a new shelter and have installed four tables, with four more to put up there.
The fiscal court approved the required-by-law incentive pay for elected officials upon completion of hours as required by the Department for Local Government.
They also approved the annual agreement and resolution with the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid for bridge replacements under the 80/20 Bridge Program. This time they have eight bridges on the list, working to eliminate low-lying bridges and wooden bridges.
Upon Sheriff Bill Meade’s request, the fiscal court approved a resolution authorizing Magoffin County Judge/Executive Matthew Wireman to execute required documentation to Kentucky of Homeland Security on behalf of the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Meade explained it was for a grant they are applying for requesting pistols, rifles and tasers.
The court approved a resolution with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for use of county roads during the Mountain Parkway widening project in Magoffin County, in order to repair any damages to county roads made during the project, specifically for Short Fork, Dry Bread, Wholesale Road, and Allen Cemetery Road.
Judge Wireman explained he had been on the phone with the state emergency management direction, who asked if the county could help with mutual aid for Knott County, where they have several impassable roads due to flooding.
Wireman explained they could provide a truck and backhoe, along with a driver and backhoe operator, for their use, and agreed to send those after the current snow storm. The court approved an interagency agreement between the two counties and the state emergency management department.
Judge Wireman explained that during the flooding, Magoffin County was very fortunate compared to some surrounding counties. He is asking that anyone who has primary home flood damage to report that to the Magoffin County Judge/Executive’s office. He said that as of the meeting on Tuesday, no one has reported any primary home damages to his office.
“As big of an event as it was, it was one of the least destructive ones we’ve had,” he said, explaining the bad floods we’ve had in recent years have allowed them to prepare for this type of event.
His full letter he released to the public on social media follows, explaining how to report damages to homes, property and county roads.
Tentatively, the next regularly scheduled fiscal court meeting is slated for March 18 at 6 p.m.
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Dear Residents of Magoffin County,
As you know, our community and the entire Commonwealth experienced severe flooding this past weekend. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we are doing everything we can to provide support and assistance.
Our hearts go out to the families in nearby counties and across the state who have lost loved ones or suffered significant damage. We stand with you and offer our deepest condolences.
We need your help to report PRIMARY HOME flood damage so we can assess the costs and determine if Magoffin County will qualify for FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) if a full federal emergency is declared.
If your PRIMARY HOME has been damaged, please:
– Take photos of the damage
– Make a list of damaged items
– Keep any receipts for repairs or replacements
This documentation is crucial for any potential future assistance. FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) is available only for damages to primary residences and it requires a full federal disaster declaration, along with meeting specific damage thresholds. Your help in reporting damage is essential for us to qualify.
Please report any primary home damage to my office at 606-349-2313 or email magoffinjeo@outlook.com.
Magoffin County has over 900 county roads, covering more than 300 miles in total and we ask that you please report any flood damage to our county roads, tiles, or bridges to my office immediately at 606-349-2313 or email magoffinjeo@outlook.com. Please provide the county road name and, if possible, the CR number from the sign at the start of the road. Your prompt reporting will help us address these issues quickly and efficiently.
Together, we have faced multiple natural disasters in Magoffin over the past several years, and we will overcome this latest challenge and rebuild stronger than ever. Thank you for your cooperation, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
Stay safe and take care,
Matt
