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Magistrates mock, ridicule mandatory settlement
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In what might be a history-making first for Martin County, the Fiscal Court did something unexpected in a Feb. 26 special meeting: it turned down state-mandated excess fees from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Kentucky law requires Sheriff John Kirk to submit a “budget, quarterly report and annual…
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Martin County secures ARPA funds, honors longtime employee
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…
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Martin County raises property tax rate to offset service cuts
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court approved a property tax increase for 2024, raising the real property tax rate from 11.5 to 12.1 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 5.2% increase. The measure, expected to generate $372,646 in revenue, passed in a 3-0 vote Tuesday with District 4…
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Judge shakes up water board leadership
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — In a major shift, Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty appointed two new faces to the Martin County Utility Board, replacing members Jimmy Don Kerr, the chairman, and BJ Slone. The move signals a new chapter for the county as it navigates critical infrastructure challenges. Lafferty announced the appointments…
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Martin County Fiscal Court purchases Warfield building
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court is set to purchase the J.B. Triplett Building in Warfield for $76,000. Magistrates approved the expenditure of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation at the request of Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty in a meeting Thursday. Lafferty stated the county’s goal was to revitalize…
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Martin County Fiscal Court helps senior citizens center combat adult hunger
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Senior Citizens Center (MCSCC) is set to expand its meal delivery program with the addition of two new vehicles thanks to a grant the Martin County Fiscal Court is pursuing. Magistrates approved Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty’s request Thursday for authorization to apply for the grant with…
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Moores honored for decades of service to community
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIGEON ROOST — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty presented a “Servant’s Heart Award” in recognition of a Pigeon Roost couple for decades of “unwavering commitment and exemplary service” that they poured into their community. The award was bestowed upon Thelma Moore and her late husband, the late Eugene Moore during…
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Martin County seeks $2.2 million for debt repayment and other needs
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court is applying for $2,175,000 in Local Government Economic Development Fund (single-county coal severance) grants to address various needs. During a meeting Thursday, magistrates approved six resolutions authorizing these grant applications. Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty emphasized that coal severance funds have been dwindling each year…
