The Barren County Fiscal Court on Nov. 18 approved a set of procurement and payment items, including a FEMA-backed road repair contract, a lease swap for heavy equipment and final contractor payments.

The court accepted Bluegrass Associates’ bid of $204,000 for Orwell (Oldwell) Road repairs. Magistrate Tim Coomer said the project will include blacktopping several feet up to bridge approaches and installing a turn-down wall to prevent washouts. Coomer told the court that roughly 87% of the cost will be reimbursed through FEMA. The motion to accept the bid carried on a voice vote.

The court also approved a lease trade-in and replacement for an existing trackhoe whose warranty had expired. Coomer said falling interest rates allowed the county to obtain a new leased machine at a lower rate (from about 6.82% to 4.99%), reduce monthly lease payments by roughly $400 and restart warranty coverage; the court approved the recommendation.

Separately, the court approved payment of claims and a set of invoices and final bills: Scotty’s Contracting ($8,305.90), Government Utility Technology Services ($15,895.25), Deco Architects ($33,900) for Park City project design, Intech Contracting ($202,350) for Sittins Bridal final billing, and a final payment to Scotty’s Contracting for Beech Tree Lane ($349,173.82). Each invoice was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: The accepted bid and the FEMA reimbursement free up county funds for other local projects while shifting most of the immediate cost to federal recovery aid. The equipment lease swap reduces near-term maintenance risk and restarts warranty coverage on critical machinery.

Votes at a glance:
- Accept Bluegrass Associates bid for Orwell/Oldwell Road ($204,000; ~87% FEMA reimbursement): approved by voice vote (motion by Coomer; second recorded on the floor).
- Approve trackhoe lease swap and new lease: approved by voice vote (motion by Coomer; second by Pedego).
- Approve contractor and consultant invoices (Scotty’s $8,305.90; Government Utility Tech $15,895.25; Deco Architects $33,900; Intech $202,350; Scotty’s final payment $349,173.82): approved by voice votes (motions and seconds recorded in minutes).

The court did not identify any recorded no votes on these items. The projects are expected to move forward under the contracts and appropriations the court approved during the meeting.