BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court discussed significant damage to roads and bridges from April storms and flash floods during an April 17 meeting.

Magistrates pointed to dozens of problem sites and the urgent need for repairs, outside contractors and federal disaster assistance.

District 1 Magistrate Cody Slone said he had submitted a list of 16 affected public sites in his district.

“I know these other guys have a lot,” Slone said. “And I think Pike County had around 1,300 FEMA applications for road and bridge repairs.”

Slone emphasized that officials are working to address the damage as quickly as possible.

“Some of these are bigger projects, and the scopes of work have to be filled out,” he said. “If there are areas that need attention, reach out to any of us. We’ll try to get out there and help.”

Before concluding, Slone also acknowledged the road and bridge department’s efforts following floods in February and April.

Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty echoed Slone’s concerns.

“It is a tremendous amount of damage,” Lafferty said. “We have bridges, slides and drain pipes. We’re trying to get to everyone as quickly as we can.”

District 2 Magistrate Kermit Howell said he had received numerous calls from residents about road and bridge conditions.

“I want everyone to know we’re working on it,” Howell said.

Lafferty added that the county is hopeful a presidential disaster declaration will be approved, allowing for FEMA reimbursement for public infrastructure repairs.

“It will take a tremendous amount of money to fix all of this,” said Lafferty. “So we’re prayerful that that’s going to happen and FEMA will reimburse us.”

District 4 Magistrate Junior Hunt stressed the need for outside help, noting just one site—Pigeon Roost—would require about two weeks of work.

“We’ll need to bring in contractors,” Lafferty agreed, citing multiple locations where steel driving is necessary.

In District 5 more than 30 sites need repair, according to Magistrate Ronald Workman.

“We’re working—starting with the most dangerous—but we can only do so much,” Wokrman said. “Like Junior, I’m hoping we can get some contractors in here. We’re not going to get done without help.”

February flood recovery

FEMA has extended the application deadline for February disaster assistance to May 25. Residents can apply for individual assistance, the FEMA home buyout program, Small Business Administration loans, file appeals, or ask questions at the Disaster Recovery Center located in the old Martin County Library building at 180 East Main Street, Inez.

Road aid, budget amendments, new hire

The fiscal court advanced several measures in support of road aid from the state, budget adjustments and administrative staffing.

To strengthen infrastructure funding, magistrates approved a cooperative agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Rural and Municipal Aid. The deal enables the county to participate in the state’s Municipal Road Aid program, which funds construction, reconstruction and maintenance of eligible roads and bridges.

This year the county will benefit from an estimated $957,942.41 from the County Road Aid fund, which is up from $894,644 last year.

The court has yet to announce the date of the annual public hearing, during which the public can comment on the use of the County Road Aid and Local Government Economic Assistance funds.

The court voted to advertise for a new road grader. It declared the existing grader surplus property and put it up for sale.

In a related procurement move, magistrates agreed to advertise for proposals for grant services that could help secure additional funding for county projects.

The roadside mowing contract went to America Jude dba M&J Contracting for $33,000. Jude submitted the only bid.

Financial adjustments dominated a portion of the meeting as the county made budget adjustments of $3.1 million. Budget Amendment 2 increases receipts and appropriations by $1.8 million across several funds, while Budget Amendment No. 1 adds $1.3 million to the general fund for water system generators.

Addressing a staffing change, the court hired Christi Frazier as the county finance officer at a rate of $22 per hour. Frazier previously held the position for 12 years. Judge Lafferty explained that the current finance officer had accepted a job elsewhere.

To close out the session, the court approved $314,000 in vendor bills, moved $138,116 through appropriations transfers, and authorized a $50,000 transfer from the occupational tax fund to the jail fund.