Tim Durham, magistrate-elect for Barren County’s third magisterial district, looks onward as Sherry Jones, fiscal court clerk, discusses upcoming matters the new court will handle in the new year. Durham will replace incumbent Carl Dickerson who did not seek re-election.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
BY BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
GLASGOW — Four of the five incoming magistrates in Barren County attended a gathering at the county government center Monday morning to review key parts of ongoing county business.
Barren County Judge/Executive Micheal Hale led the discussions, which ranged from interlocal agreements and financial claims to reapportionment and fiscal audits. Incoming magistrates Derek S. Pedigo (District 2), Tim Durham (District 3), Marty Kinslow (District 5) and Brad Groce (District 7) were in attendance. Ronnie Stinson (District 6) was absent due to a recent surgery.
“These newly elected [magistrates] have asked me some questions,” Hale said. “I thought what better way than to just bring them together and answer some of those questions for them.”
Among the other speakers were Sherry Jones, fiscal court clerk of 31 years, and Nancy Houchens, the current deputy county judge/executive and 24-year veteran of county government. Jones explained to the newcomers that one of the first hurdles in the coming year will be county reapportionment due to delays following the 2020 Census.
Jones said magistrates will be tasked with evaluating how the county’s residential makeup has changed and adjusting the district lines. Barren County currently has seven districts, which could be reduced in the future if magistrates choose to reduce the court’s size, she said.
“There’s a whole lot we’ve got to look forward to with all the contracts and everything,” Pedigo said. “I just can’t wait to get started.”
Magistrates-elect examined documents from past high-profile votes such as agreements to board a group of horses at the Barren River Lake State Resort Park and the commitment of American Rescue Plan Act funds. The documents were those that have passed through the fiscal court.
Hale said he has chosen to abide by three words while in office – fair, firm and consistent. He said difficult decisions are often a part of the job in county government.
“That’s really what I mean by making those tough decisions,” he said. “Do your homework, and if you’re not ready to make that decision, don’t make it. When you do make it, make it and move on.”
Training for newly elected officials is slated to take place on Dec. 7 and 8 across the state. Elected officials across Kentucky will assume office on the first Monday after the turn of the new year.
“So excited, so excited. I think there’s so much to do. I think we have so much that this county has that we can all work together and make happen,” Durham said. “We’ve got a great court, and I hope it works out well.”
