Joe Choate, Hart County judge executive, explains the Hart County fiscal court’s ability to work together with little confrontation.
(KENTUCKY COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE ASSOCIATION)
By Angela Briggs, special to WCLU News.
MUNFORDVILLE, Ky. — Hart County property owners have likely noticed their 2021 property tax bills look like last year’s bills. That’s because the fiscal court did not raise taxes this year.
Magistrate Gary Gardner said the occupational tax is doing its job. He gave credit to recent industry expansion and the court’s desire to help property owners.
“We’re trying to take care of our landowners, and we’re able to keep the citizens of Hart County paying as low as they can – still not cutting any services,” Gardner said. “We’re very fortunate in Hart County, and God’s really blessed us.”
Magistrate Rick Alvey, Hart County’s 2nd District magistrate, said he had no intention of supporting a tax increase.
“Oh, we don’t ever raise taxes. That’s our job – to work between the budget and try to keep everything down and not overspend when we don’t have it,” Alvey said. “I’m very proud of that.”
Hart County Judge Executive Joe Choate provided an update on the T-Marzetti expansion. The $130 million investment is expected to create nearly 200 new jobs in Horse Cave. It’s expected to be complete by summer 2022.
Choate said further expansion on the current expansion is already in the works.
“They’re already trying to figure out how to put another line inside this expansion.” Choate said. “Great news.”
Choate gives credit to the fiscal court for its cooperation with Hart County’s aspirations. The court rarely argues during meetings and votes are often unanimous.
In a time when political commentary can be scathing, Choate said the court works to keep congenial discussion.
“We work hard at it. We don’t always get along 100%,” Choate said. “The five magistrates and myself – we all have our own opinions. Usually we voice our opinions, and we respect each other.”
Choate said political partiality never plays a part in the court’s interworking.
“As divided as a lot of people are right now, you don’t hear us talk about Democrats, Republicans, Independents,” Choate said, “All we do is work for Hart County. So, I think that’s what really helps us to be successful.”
Hart County property tax bills, which are yellow cards, should be in mailboxes in the coming days. Every property owned has a unique card.
Taxes can be paid by mail or in person at the Hart County Sheriff’s Office.
