BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court has ensured that its remaining $992,239 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will not go back to the federal government. During a meeting Thursday, magistrates voted to transfer the funds into the county’s general fund to reimburse payroll and insurance expenses. This move allows the county to meet the government’s Dec. 31 deadline to “obligate” the funds or face forfeiture.
Martin County received $2,174,498 in ARPA funding over two years, with $1,087,249 allocated in both 2021 and 2022.
In other business, the court:
- Appointed Clyde Adams, the county’s emergency services director, to the 911 board.
- Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet involving a $125,000 Kentucky Brownfield grant to demolish and clear the old Grassy school site.
- Backed a line of credit for the Martin County Water District through the Kentucky Association of Counties Leasing Trust.
Fiscal matters
Magistrates accepted Martin County Sheriff John Kirk’s 2021 Unmined Coal Tax Settlement, which detailed the collection and disbursement of $43,013.89. After credits for delinquencies, discounts and commissions, the allocations were as follows:
- State: $3,437.86
- Fiscal Court: $3,726.72
- School District: $24,408.55
- Library: $3,148.93
- Health Department: $1,155.66
- Extension Office: $3,177.88
The court also approved the sheriff’s 2025 fee budget, outlining $462,000 in projected receipts and expenditures. Major revenue sources include $180,000 from tax commissions, $93,000 for Circuit Court security services, $23,000 in state grants and a $50,000 advancement from the state. Key expenditures include $170,000 for deputies’ salaries, $62,000 for retirement contributions, $40,000 for fuel and $50,000 to the state as repayment for the advance.
The court set the sheriff’s maximum budget for deputies and assistants in 2025 at $337,000.
Transfers and expenses
The court authorized the following:
- Payment of $402,000 in bills.
- Transfer of $70,106 from budget appropriations reserves.
- Cash transfers including:
- $50,000 from the occupational tax fund to the 911 fund.
- $100,000 from the occupational tax fund to the jail fund.
- $992,239 from ARPA funds to the general fund.
Honoring longtime service
Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and magistrates recognized Ronnie Patrick, who is retiring after 25½ years with the Road and Bridge Department. Lafferty praised Patrick’s dedication and highlighted his contributions to public safety, particularly during severe weather.
“You don’t know the lives you might have saved by keeping roads clear of snow and ice,” Lafferty said.
The court presented Patrick with a plaque, card and cake in appreciation of his service.