Webster County Fiscal Court handled a short agenda Monday morning during regular session.

Second reading of the 2008-09 budget, which topped $17 million, was held and approved by magistrates.

“We sent our budget to the state finance office and it was approved without any changes, which is very unusual,” Judge-Executive Jim Townsend. “They (state) said it looked really good compared to some counties that are really in a bind. But we’re not out of the woods yet by any means. Everything depends on petroleum products as well as cost of food at the jail.”

Webster County Finance Officer Paula Guinn noted that the budget was approximately $5 million more than last year with a large percentage of that being new construction on the jail expansion project. Other increases in the budget comes from “flow-through” funds from state projects.

“I guess this means we’ve done a pretty good job if they (state) haven’t made any changes to our budget,” stated magistrate Chad Townsend. “I just like to thank everyone for their hard work on a very difficult issue.”

Magistrates also approved a long list of fund transfers which Guinn called “housekeeping” at the end of last year’s budget and the beginning of the new budget.

“We like to pay as many bills as possible so we don’t get hit in the new year with a bunch of new bills,” she explained.

Guinn noted that the county had received a $63,000 insurance coverage check for damage at the Webster County Golf Plantation from last fall’s tornado.

Judge Townsend told court members that work would soon continue on the golf course and that Webster County Teen Challenge officials are in negotiations of running the facility.

“They’re very much interested in taking over the operation of the golf course and they’re in the process of rebuilding the convention center,” he said.

He emphasized that details for the Teen Challenge plan are trying to be worked out including the use of inmate help at the facility as well as a start-up date for the golf course.

“We hope the details can be finalized very soon and they can re-open the course. They’re still trying to determine if they’re going to tear down the convention center and start from scratch or use what they can of the structure and remodel,” Judge Townsend said.

He also stated that Teen Challenge had just recently received their insurance money for the tornado damage to the structure. Townsend also noted that Teen Challenge would maintain their current facility in Nebo in addition to the rebuilt Webster County location.

In other business, Magistrate Townsend asked if any solution had come of the construction company responsible for doing repairs to the Blackford Bridge. Intech Construction of Lexington, the original contractor of the project, had been contacted early last year about deterioration of the wood floor of the bridge. They did some repair work and then issued a bill to the county for that work.

But the repairs were very unsatisfactory to county officials and the balance of the billing ($6,490) is still being withheld.

“Are they just dragging their feet on this. I know we haven’t paid them and I just think we need to make another call (to Intech), something needs to be done,” Magistrate Townsend stated.

Judge Townsend, as well as magistrates Tony Felker and Pete O’Nan agreed.

“They haven’t responded to our last calls and yes, we’re holding their last payment,” Judge Townsend responded. “Honestly, I think they used the wrong wood for the project, it shouldn’t be deteriorating this quickly.”

In other old business, magistrates were told that no contract had been signed concerning a new cell phone tower at the Poole Fire Department location. Crossroads Cell Tower, Inc., has requested to build a tower on the new complex, which is owned by Fiscal Court. Judge Townsend told magistrates he felt sure a contract could be ageed upon and construction could begin soon.

He also noted that the $400 per month the fire department would received from the project would have to go through fiscal court but the revenue would be given to the fire department.

Magistrates gave quick approval to a Fair Housing Plan which required a simple re-adoption of the county’s acceptance to state and federal requirements for the plan.

Paula Guinn also stated that a current grant for Webster County concerning government-funded housing projects was moving quickly through the proper stages.

“It (grant) seems to be moving faster than normal. Webster County has always done really good with our grant program and the people at the state level recognize that,” she stated. “They are moving things rather quickly and that’s a good sign.”

Court members also accepted tax rate of the Lower Tradewater Floodplain Conservancy of 30 cents per $100 assessed value of property for those people who own property on the Tradewater River. The new rate is the same as in 2008.

Webster County Health Department tax rates of $2.75 (per $100 value) on personal property and $2.75 on motor vehicles was accepted. It was noted that aircraft, watercraft and inventory were exempted from the tax. These rates are also the same as last year.

Magistrates accepted budgets from Webster County Health Department and Webster County Public Library. The Health Department’s budget totalled $307,891 while the Library’s total was $331,300. Guinn explained that all budgets must be submitted and have state approval by July 1 before any spending could take place. Pitman Creek Conservancy District, Lower Tradewater Conservancy District and Webster County Soil Conservation District were listed as county entities that have not submitted new budgets.

“I know we have a couple that are a little behind, but we’ll get them all in,” Guinn stated.

In personnel matters, magistrates approved new employees at the Webster County Detention Center including Terry McBride II, Tommy Wright, Wesley Watson, James T. Macham and Jerry Parrish. Also the promotion for part-time to full-time of Charlotte Edwards, William Frasier, Karen VanCleave, Patty Frasier and Amy Slayton.

Webster County Assistant Road Supervisor Rob Mooney gave a quick report to court members that the county was a “little behind” in its roadway mowing efforts. He noted that weather conditions as well as having to wait on state mowing crews was big factors.

“We’ve got one mower out today but we’re a little short on personnel right now,” Mooney stated. “We’re trying to get on top of it.”

In final business, Judge Townsend noted that Webster County Attorney had formed a “culvert policy” stating the county’s and landowner’s responsibilities when it comes to replacing old culverts or installing new ones on private property. He stated that each magistrate would receive a copy of the updated policy.

Townsend also presented court members with a copy of contract explaining janitorial duties and services needed at the Courthouse and Judicial Center facilities.

Magistrates had requested that the services be placed on a bid process, noting serveral complaints about the current provider.

“I would like for you guys to look over this contract which lists all the duties and services currently performed,” Judge Townsend told magistrates. “Please make any suggestions or changes and we’ll put together a final list and contract and then advertise for bids.”