“More involvement in the decision-making process is always a good thing,” McKinney said. "This will give a sense of what the court is thinking on all of the issues and get all of us pointed in the same direction."
Magistrates will set the agendas for the committees and be paid $300 per month for their participation, money McKinney said he expects they will earn.
"This is something that I know all of our magistrates will take seriously the same way they did with their work on the budget," McKinney said. "It will be helpful to have three perspectives including my own on the issues we face."
While making committee assignments, the court was forced to acknowledge Harmon's absence for the first time. McKinney said local Democrats will meet to come up with a list of candidates to pass on to Gov. Steve Beshear to fill Harmon's seat until an election is held.
The committee assignments are: personnel and board appointments, Phil Sammons and John Caywood; audit, finance and insurance, Patty Burke; public works and parks, Mickey Harmon (replacement) and Phil Sammons; solid waste, recycling and animal control, Patty Burke and Jack Hendricks; detention center, Mickey Harmon (replacement) and Donnie Coffman; emergency medical services and sheriff's department, Jack Hendricks and Donnie Coffman.
In other business, the court approved an emergency declaration for repairs to a bridge on Hays Mays Road near Perryville. Public Works Director Duane Campbell said rushing waters caused by heavy rains recently washed out part of the decking on the structure
The court authorized Campbell to seek quotes on replacing the top of the bridge without corregated metal, a request made by Sammons, who said horses have a hard time negotiating bridges when they can see through the decking.
