The Wayne County Fiscal Court met Thursday and took care of monthly business.
For the first time in 16 years the tax rate will be lower as magistrates voted to set the real and property rates at the compensating rate which is 11.9 cents per 100 dollars of assessed value. That is down from the 12.6 cents rate of last year. The county will not suffer a loss of revenue as property valuation assessments were up from the previous year.
The Lake Cumberland District Health Department addressed the court and asked for 40 thousand dollars of the counties opioid settlement money to continue the MRT classes at the detention center. In addition to many other positives the classes are also designed to develop moral reasoning and benefit the inmates in a variety of ways. By utilizing the program our local detention center has the go ahead to receive some funding from The Kentucky Department of Corrections. Last year 155 inmates completed the MRT classes which can help reduce sentences. County Attorney Tom Simmons will inquire with other officials to make sure the opioid money can be used for the program.
The court approved to hire a part time sheriff’s deputy to serve across the lake only. Pay for the individual would be on an hourly schedule.
Magistrates agreed to seek $120,000 from the center for rural development to provide high speed fiber internet for Highway 1258 (Coffey Mountain) with 136 homes to be served.
Also, the court accepted a resolution with the state transportation cabinet for the Parmleysville rd. project totaling $124,000.