By GAGE WILSON
The Barren County Fiscal Court met Tuesday Feb. 20. With no absences from the county’s seven district magistrates. Judge Executive Jamie Bewley-Byrd called the meeting to order at the scheduled time of 9 a.m.
The court’s agenda was as diverse as it was long with items ranging from a new proclamation to the first reading of an ordinance to amend last years fiscal budget.
The proclamation introduced dedicates Feb. 20 as “Barren County Cheerleader Day” not only celebrating the young men and women who dedicate their time to the sport. This proclamation is particularly close to Byrd as the Bewley family is steeped in the success of Barren County’s cheerleading program, which earlier this year placed first at the Universal Cheerleaders Association. On social media Byrd said, “Barren County Fiscal Court recognized our team my Freshman year of high school when we won the NCA National Championship. This comes full circle that I, now as Barren County Judge Executive, get to recognize the team and coaches at BCHS for winning the UCA National Championship! They are so deserving and we are so proud of each of them!”
The court also saw a guest representing the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center (BRACAC), a group who’s mission is “to reduce trauma to child abuse victims by providing one safe, child-friendly location where teams of professionals work together to pursue justice and offer treatment.”
Leah Thompson, Executive Director for BRACAC asked the court to consider $10,000 in funding to assist in the organization mission.
Thompson sited that due to complications and setbacks from COVID, as well as the rising need for BRACAC services the added funding would be necessary to maintain the organization’s quality of service.
According to Thompson, BRACAC worked on over 950 cases in South Central Kentucky with 180 of those cases from Barren County. Thompson assured the court that Barren County was not being singled out as she has or will be appealing to court over the ten county area BRACAC serves. This funding will effect the 2025 fiscal year should the court agree to the pledge.
The Barren River Area Development District (BRADD), which works closely with communities in the area to assist with grant writing, also came before the court to offer its members to a economic development seminar to be held at the Cave Area Convention Center on April 9th.
Other items on the agenda revolved around the the approval of monthly financial reports from the Barren County Clerk, Sheriff’s Office, etc. as well as several items in relation to the renovations at Jackie Browning Park including the approval of security cameras and services related to security within the park.
With the meeting coming close to two hours a motion to adjourn was made and seconded with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th.