Fiscal Court May 6

Item IV, Personnel Matters

A: Update rates within the county’s compensation plan for certain county positions effective July 1, 2025.

• A benchmark study was conducted to meet the requirements of Section 5.03(D), which calls for a review of the county’s compensation system comparing county job roles and pay rates to both public and private sector data to ensure fair, market-aligned compensation and reward experience appropriately.
• 67% of employees are in Tier 3 of the Ky Retirement System, offering less favorable benefits than earlier tiers.
• County faces growing challenges in attracting and retaining talent.
• In addition to compensation, clear career paths are defined, and an advisory group to guide findings is created.
• Adjustments: 40 employees in 9 departments will receive adjustments. Total pay impact: $135,829. Approved 4-0.

B: The following new appointments were approved 4-0:

• Seasonal Parks Department staff: 12 new and 19 returning employees
• Mason Monique, position of Second Assistant Golf Courses Superintendent for Boone County golf courses
• Matt Ligon, position of Assistant Veterinary Technician for Boone County Animal Care and Control.
• Gregg Crabbe, position of Senior Procurement and Compliance Specialist for the Finance Department.

 Item V. Ordinances

1. Hazardous Materials Second reading, no changes, no additions, approved 4-0.
2. Zoning change for 53 ft-tall Home2Suites between Richwood and Frontage roads approved 4-0. Rationale by developer: height of hotel, 53 ft, was compared to the McDonalds sign in the area; cannot see hotel from Stirrup Lane; can see the top from Richwood. Not an interstate hotel; 60% corporate bookings for employees visiting on business, 40% tourists. Added condition: property owner will be responsible permanently for maintenance of the tree line. Commissioners will send a letter to the Planning Commission to attend the next Fiscal Court caucus meeting to address current signage standard and that this development conflicts with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan by including hotels.
3. Occupational License Fee First reading, second reading, vote May 20. Not a new incentive or project; amendment to the state’s language.

Item VI. Judges Report

Congratulations to the following reappointment approvals to the Fire Protection Boards: James Walton, Bellview-McVille: Keith Cahill, Burlington; John Pile, Florence; Jeffrey Blankenship, Union; and David McLeish, Verona.

VII. Administrative Matters. All approved 4-0.

1. Transfer of Ownership and Control of Hicks Pike to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Chambers Road (KY 2951) to Boone County.
2. Reimbursement of county funds used for transport of non-public school students during school year 2025-26, $875,000, settled with the school district. Revenue and expense items were in the budget.
3.  Stop loss coverage for the county’s self-funded health insurance program to ONE80 Intermediaries: three bids, five declines (could not compete with rate), $415,965. Includes lower rate with a cap rate on increases. Annual reevaluation.
4.  Agreement with Step CG, LLC for Cyber Security Services for public safety communications center.
5.  Graves Road Retail Development Landscaping. MOU with Hebron Pointe Venture LLC for the construction, operation and maintenance of landscape features. Will maintain a bond.
6. Northern Ky Solid Waste Management Cooperative partnership agreement across Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties.
7.  Lassing Salt Facility Fabric Roof Replacement awarded to Miller Builders, LLC. For $52,411. Previously was included in the FY 2026 budget. FY 2025 had money to make the repair this year. Replacing roof in 2025 will save county money on salt if it’s paid for now. Salt price will increase 20-25% with new salt contract. Old contract expires June 2025. Four bids were received.
8.  Jail Storage Outbuilding awarded to Radius Construction for $357,665. All 2024 bids were rejected. 2025 design was modified. Bid was competitive but higher than expected.

Item IX Old Business: Commissioners are happy with discussions and progress of the 2025 budget. Report will be located on the Finance Department tab of the county website and available May 20.

Item X New Business: adds a commissioner to the Public Library Board

KRS 65.009 is a provision in the Kentucky Revised Statutes that allows a county’s fiscal court to designate one of its members as an ex officio (non-voting) member of a special district’s governing body. This applies when the law does not already permit Fiscal Court members to serve on that district’s board. Key Points:

• The Fiscal Court of the county where the majority of the district’s population resides may, by resolution, appoint one of its members as an ex officio member of the district’s governing body. 
• The designated ex officio member:
  • Does not count toward a quorum and does not have voting rights on matters before the district’s governing body. 
  • Receives no compensation or reimbursement for attending meetings. 
  • Serves at the pleasure of the Fiscal Court, meaning the appointment can be changed or revoked at any time. 
• This provision does not apply to districts established by a city or cities. 
• This statute aims to enhance communication and oversight between county governments and special districts without altering the district’s decision-making authority.

Next Fiscal Court meeting: May 20, 2025, 5:30 pm