BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County Fiscal Court gave a first reading Thursday to a proposed FY2027 budget that grows to approximately $19.8 million from $11.3 million in FY2026, driven by a $6.18 million flood buyout fund while also directing around $1.5 million toward community amenities, tourism and public facilities, including the historic courthouse, community center, parks, pool and other recreational facilities.

The Federal Emergency Watershed Protection Buyout Fund comprises $6,181,343 of the budget.

Among the county’s operating funds, the General Fund decreased to $2,513,346 from $2,829,854.99 last year, while the Road Fund rose to $2,351,401 from $1,839,442.41. The Occupational Tax Fund increased to $2,256,174 from $1,194,000, and LGEA increased to $1,788,300 from $1,448,950.

The Federal Grant Fund increased to $1,536,000 from $765,000, while LGEDF decreased to $925,069 from $1,214,400.

Other proposed funds include the Jail Fund at $757,200, up from $598,135.57, the 911 Fund at $613,200, up from $504,200, the HUD Fund at $295,800, up from $289,100, the Solid Waste Fund at $102,200, down from $111,200, the Document Storage Fund at $33,300, up from $27,050, the State Grant Fund at $11,250, up from $11,100, and a separate HUD account at $6,414, up from $6,125.

The proposed budget also includes an Opioid Settlement Fund totaling $447,404. The Opioid Settlement Fund was not in the previous year’s budget.

Historic courthouse and tourism-related appropriations total approximately $1.15 million, including $816,174 in ARC Power Grant contracted services, $220,000 for a Historical Tax Credit Special Project, $34,000 for old courthouse utilities, $30,000 for building maintenance, $25,000 for contracted construction work, $18,000 for Tourism Commission operations, $2,000 for fire alarm maintenance and $1,000 for supplies and materials.

The proposed budget includes $35,000 for the Martin County Community Center and $50,000 for the Senior Citizen Center.

Swimming pool-related appropriations total approximately $61,000, including $20,000 for part-time seasonal workers, $15,000 for supplies and materials, $13,000 for utilities, $12,000 for maintenance and $1,000 for concession sales and use tax expenses.

Parks and recreation appropriations total approximately $154,000, including $70,000 for park maintenance, $55,000 for utilities, $14,000 for architectural and engineering work, $10,000 for contracted park and amphitheater services and $5,000 for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority.

Martin County’s outstanding balance on the government center loan is $8,208,234. The FY2027 budget appropriations include $392,501 for payments on the principal and $256,569 for payments on interest.

The court will conduct a second reading of the proposed budget next month.

Creek Don’t Rise Coalition

Martin County became the 10^th county to adopt a resolution presented by Pike County activist Zachary Tackett, founder of the nonprofit Creek Don’t Rise Coalition, calling on the Kentucky Public Service Commission to halt future electricity rate increases until Kentucky Power undergoes what he describes as a “full, honest, public audit.”

Tackett wants the PSC to require the power company to publicly explain how ratepayer money is being spent, what operational costs justify increases and whether the company’s spending practices warrant additional hikes.

Other business

In other business, magistrates:

• Heard the second reading of budget amendment No. 3, increasing and decreasing the 2025-2026 budget by $1.2 million for a Kentucky Association of Counties loan for water district generators.
• Adopted budget amendment No. 3    increasing and decreasing the 2025-2026 budget by $1.2 million for a Kentucky Association of Counties loan for water district generators.
• Approved the County Road Aid Cooperative Program Agreement with the Transportation Cabinet, Department of Rural and Municipal Aid. The county’s apportionment for the fiscal year beginning July 1 is $785,571.99, down from $957,942.41 last year.
• Approved a “Waste Tire Grant Agreement” with the Division of Waste Management for up to $4,000 to dispose of waste tires.
• Voted to advertise for gravel and for federal- and state-funded blacktop.
• Approved $2,017.20 to the Martin County Clerk’s Office for compensation for calculating 13,448 motor vehicle and boat tax bills for 2026.
• Accepted an $80,000 budget from the Martin County Soil and Conservation District.
• Approved payment of bills totaling $340,014.