-
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…
-
Magistrates want asphalt
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County leaders advanced efforts to enhance roads and outdoor recreation during Thursday’s Fiscal Court meeting. Magistrates unanimously voted to spend federal funds for additional asphalt to use across the county. They also approved an agreement with First Frontier Appalachian Trails (FFAT) whereby the county will use its…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Kentucky coal counties receive mining fee refunds
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT — Fiscal courts in 29 Kentucky counties, including Martin, Floyd, Johnson, Lawrence and Pike, are set to receive a collective refund of $119,625 from mining permit and acreage fees, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Aug. 7. The refunds, calculated as a percentage of fees paid by surface coal mining companies within each…
-
Inez Volunteer Fire Department honored for 70 years of service
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Inez Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) was honored by Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and the Fiscal Court on Thursday in recognition of its 70 years of service to the community. The celebration took place before the Fiscal Court meeting, where Fire Chief Lee Gauze, Assistant Chief Nick…
-
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…
Tag: Martin County Fiscal Court
