By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times
The Carter County Fiscal Court began their new year with the second reading of an ordinance (865) concerning the transient tax. The updated ordinance now covers all rentals that are rented on a nightly basis, including campgrounds and Air BnB’s in the county. The tax does not apply to rental properties that rent on a monthly basis, such as homes or apartments. The ordinance passed by unanimous vote, excepting magistrate Danny Holbrook who was absent from the meeting. The transient tax is a three percent tax typically paid by hotels and other transient lodging.
Carter County Tourism President Carl Burton addressed the court during the public comment section of the meeting, and discussed a vacant seat on the tourism board. The vacancy was created by a member stepping down, and Burton made a suggestion to the fiscal court for a replacement. Burton said the tourism board approved Joe Suttles, and requested the court agree to that appointment. Judge Executive Brandon Burton officially nominated Suttles for that position, and the court voted to approve Suttles as the new tourism board member. Suttles will serve a one year term.
Burton told the court that the new opioid advisory board had met, and that all applications for funding through the opioid abatement fund had been given to that board.
“All the members were present,” Burton told the court. “They accepted all thirty applications that were given to them for review. They discussed budget and funding, possible surveys, school staff, and they are asking questions about what we are already funding.”
Burton said the board had asked about interviewing applicants before approval.
“Once they narrow the applications down to three to five applications, they will bring them in and do interviews.”
Burton said the next meeting of the board had been scheduled for January 15, but it will likely be moved to January 22 at 1 pm. Burton said the board will be focusing on those grant applications that are more time sensitive.
“We marked those for them to look at a little quicker,” Burton said. “So maybe they can be resolved in a month or so.”
“We chose a great group,” Burton told the court. “And I believe they will do a great job with our opioid funding.”
In other business, Burton said that he would like to nominate Gordon Womack for another four years as a board member on the Big Sandy Water District. The court voted to approve Womack, who will represent Carter County on that board. The court also heard reports from all county departments.
Additionally, the fiscal court voted to increase the county attorney’s pay to $40,000 per year. The court also voted to approve the magistrates pay to $600 salary and $600 expenses per month, which will take effect in 2027.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
