Daviess County Fiscal Court has approved a retention and recruitment incentive for employees of the Daviess County Detention Center.
To be whole, the Jail needs to fill 17 full-time positions along with one part-time role for a floor deputy. The lack of staff is resulting in overtime for remaining employees and causing significant scheduling issues to maintain full shift coverage.
“To address retention of existing staff, Jailer (Art) Maglinger requests an early application of the 6.5% COLA that would have been applied in Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and an 8.5% adjustment to current salaries,” said County Treasurer Jordan Johnson.
To assist in recruitment for vacant positions, Fiscal Court approved a $1.50 per hour increase for hazardous deputy jailers and a $2.30 per hour increase for non-hazardous deputy jailers.
“The impact of this decision for the remaining of the Fiscal Year would be approximately $142,000,” Johnson added. “Upon review, adequate funds remain in the jail fund to cover this expense.”
Commissioner Larry Conder said staffing and funding for the jail is a growing issue.
“They just can’t get employees. And that’s a tough job. All of those first responders are behind walls.”
The Detention Center is actively looking to fill the open positions. If you or someone you know is interested in a career in law enforcement, visit https://www.daviessky.org/jail/ to review the job description and apply.
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 2022 Review
Mark Calitri, President/CEO of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, presented on recent tourism success.
He highlighted five pillars to create the most economic impact for Daviess County. They included bluegrass music and bourbon tourism, indoor sports initiatives, meetings and events at the Owensboro Convention Center, as well as enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Calitri said Daviess County set an all-time hotel occupancy record in 2022 at 59 percent. The average rate was $102, an increase of 16 percent, and average occupancy was up more than 8 percent.
The Owensboro Convention Center also set new performance standards and for the first time did not require a city subsidy.
Other News
Fiscal Court will apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to assist Habitat for Humanity with the construction of its first subdivision. The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) is administering the application with a groundbreaking expected in late fall, if the grant is successful to support the infrastructure of the site.
The County will be reimbursed approximately $183,000 to offset the expense of the new voting system purchased in October 2021 under an election equipment grant approved under House Bill 1.
Fiscal Court approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department for Local Government, Office of State Grants for the reimbursement of more than $120,000 to purchase new e-poll books.
The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) has awarded the remaining $1.05 million for the Jack Hinton Road waterline project through the Cleaner Water Grant program. A new six-inch line is being installed along Short Station Rd. and Jack Hinton Rd. between Knottsville and Philpot for improved fire protection. Fiscal Court had first reading of a budget amendment to reflect this grant award.
Fiscal Court has approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the City of Owensboro and Daviess County Public Schools (DCPS) regarding funding for the Juvenile Drug Court. While the program will be administered through DCPS, it will be county-wide and available to all students in the City of Owensboro as well.
Fiscal Court rejected a bid for a one-ton chassis cab and awarded a bid for two new weather sirens.
An Employee Assistant Program (EAP) services agreement was approved with Owensboro Health, Inc.
Fiscal Court approved a Memorandum of Agreement for the Daviess County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy Board (DC-ASAP).
County Treasurer Jordan Johnson has been reappointed to the Industrial Development Authority Board for a four-year term.
Free Paper Shredding Collection Event
Commissioner Chris Castlen invited all Daviess County residents and businesses to take advantage of the Free Paper Shredding Collection Event. It is Friday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Owensboro Sportscenter parking lot with a 100 lb. limit per person.
Community-Wide Clean Up
Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen said the first annual Operation Community Cleanup will be held on Saturday, April 15, coordinated by the Isaac Sterett Adventure Foundation. Participants should meet at 1010 Allen Street from 7:30am – 8:00am.
Next Meeting
Daviess County Fiscal Court will meet on Tuesday, April 11 at 12 p.m.
