Christian Fiscal Court had a busy agenda for its final meeting of February, hearing updates from the Christian County Health Department, Christian County 4H and on the new Public Safety Building.
Magistrates approved a change order for another $106,000 to go toward construction of the new sheriff’s department building on West Seventh Street. About $62,000 was for necessary curbing work that wasn’t properly outlined in the original bid specifications drawn up by JRA Architects in Lexington, according to Treasurer Walter Cummings.
David Welker with Codell Construction says $14,000 is for installations of ceilings in seven mechanical rooms that did not comply with a state inspection required to obtain a certificate of occupancy.
Welker noted that JRA received approval from the state for those rooms to not have ceilings when it submitted its original drawings about two years ago, but the on-site inspector saw it differently.
While magistrates agreed to pay what they owed on construction, they reserved the right to pursue some of the money from JRA, believing the architect to be partly to blame for the discrepancies.
The new building could be ready for the sheriff’s office to move in as soon as mid-March.
Meanwhile, Christian County Health Department Director Kayla Bebout noted there are now 35 potential cases of Hepatitis A in Christian County—most of them likely contracted through illicit drug use.
She says it may be time for Christian County to consider instituting a needle exchange program to remove as many dirty needles from the community as possible.
Drew and Nick Sanderson and Hunter Watson spoke on their experiences in 4H as they advocated for holders of Kentucky farm tags to make a $10 donation when they renew their plates next month.
Nick Sanderson says he’s found a passion through 4H and has made lifelong friends and memories.
Only 22 percent of farm tag holders in Christian County choose to donate $10 when they renew—which ranks 72nd out of 120 counties. Donations through the Ag-Tag program are split between Kentucky Proud, 4H and FFA and the funds are used to help children have access to programs they may not be able to afford otherwise.
In other business, Christian Fiscal Court revised a resolution relating to constables to stipulate they are not permitted to engage in a pursuit of a vehicle—with or without blue lights. District 8 Constable Mike Haddock received permission to place blue lights on his 2001 Ford Expedition after submitting paperwork that he’s met all of the requirements included in the resolution.