One Boyle magistrate opposes $3,186 project

Litter abatement grant money will pay for three trash cans to be installed at Weisiger Park, but it’s happening over the objection of a Boyle County magistrate.

The Boyle County Fiscal Court voted 5-1 to spend $3,186 on the trash receptacles. Magistrate Phil Sammons cast the only “no” vote against the plan.

The litter abatement money was awarded as a grant to Boyle County Solid Waste, but it’s actually given to be used by the county and all of the county’s incorporated cities, including Danville, Perryville and Junction City, Treasurer Mary Conley explained prior to the vote.

Danville has requested that those funds be used to add litter receptacles in Weisiger Park, a city-maintained park on the front side of the Boyle County Courthouse, Conley said.

A document provided by Boyle County shows the price of each receptacle is $1,062.

“We have available in that pot of money $3,493.75, so there is ample money to make a purchase for these,” she said.

“My question is why are we involved with Weisiger Park?” Sammons said. “They never got us involved in anything else.”

“I was just asked to make the presentation,” Conley said.

“This is joint city and county money,” Judge-Executive Harold McKinney said.

“I realize it’s joint city-county money but why — OK,” Sammons said, cutting short his comments.

Magistrate Jack Hendricks motioned to approve spending the money and the motion was seconded.

“I have a motion and a second. Despite all the talk to the contrary, all in favor say aye,” McKinney said.

Five magistrates voted “aye.”

“Any opposed?” McKinney asked.

“No,” Sammons said.

“Record Mr. Sammons as a no,” McKinney said.