Hancock in running for new industry
In a mostly uneventful meeting of the Hancock County Fiscal Court, which was held by teleconference, the highlight was a hint of potential good news on the industrial front.
Mike Baker, director of the Hancock County Industrial Foundation, told the court that the county could possibly see a new industry landing here if things go well.
“We’re working very closely with the Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet on a prospect here in Hancock County,” Baker said.
He was hush-hush about who or what the project might be, although the county has a 1,000-acre plot of land that’s being pitched to potential large industries, as well as the former Dal-Tile plant that’s currently for sale and the former Lazar Anode building, which was purchased this summer by a group of investors out of Owensboro.
“It’s an exciting project,” Baker said. “This particular outfit’s looking at three locations in Kentucky and right now Hancock County is still in the running.
“So hopefully I’ll have some news about that for you here in the near future,” he said.
The court also took the following actions:
• Approved the minutes of the previous meeting.
• Approved the occupational tax reports from October and November. The November report showed a total of $2.195 million, which was up around $300,000 from the year prior.
• Approved the ambulance report, which showed an outstanding balance of around $100,000, which is similar to most months. There were 436 billable runs year to date at the time of the report.
• Approved the EOC report.
• Approved the treasurer’s reports from October and November. The October report showed a balance of $5,051,400, which was up around $500,000 from the year before, and the November balance was $5,787,281.98, which was up around $1.4 million over the year before.
• Approved the transfer requests.
• Approved the jailer’s report that showed a total of $564 collected for November.
• Approved the senior services report. Director Lona Morton told the court the senior centers will be closed the week of December 28. There were 53 people getting home delivered meals this week.
• Approved the career center report. There were 109 sign-ins in November and 252 in October. The unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in the county and 7.4 in the state.
• Reviewed the claims for payment.
• Approved the road department report and discussed ongoing ditch work in Lewisport.
• Approved the animal shelter report.
• Approved a resolution supporting transportation funding in the upcoming legislative session.
• Discussed the purchase of a loader.
• Approved the purchase of a new ambulance cot for approximately $17,500, to replace an existing one that has been deemed unsafe.
• Approved the annual $50,000 advancement bond for the sheriff’s department that it operates on until property taxes are due and it’s repaid.
• Voted to cancel the December 28 meeting unless something comes up and it becomes necessary.
By Dave Taylor
