White Retires as EMS Director at Court Meeting
Gary White, center, was recognized by the Cumberland County Fiscal Court for his decades of dedication, serving as EMS Director, and working as a paramedic and fireman.
By Greg Wells
CCN—Editor
County Judge Executive Luke King highlighted the service career of Gary White, recapping his career and community service spanning over four decades, including his time as EMS Director and County Coroner duties.
He later introduced and welcomed new EMS Director Robert Campbell, who brings extensive experience to the job.
King told the court that the County Road Corrections and Cleanup Resolution has been completed, and the road list was submitted to the Area Development District for state processing.
He also said that $197,000 worth of blacktop was laid in about 30 days this fall and that the remaining flex list projects would be completed in spring.
He encouraged magistrates to set deadlines for future flex road submissions in order to keep the work moving forward.
He reported to the court that an agreement with the Cumberland County Board of Education on bus turnarounds has been hammered out.
The agreement would have the County Road Department maintain bus turnarounds for student efficiency and county road use during emergencies while the Board of Education would repay the county for rock used for that purpose.
Any necessary easements would be the responsibility of the schools and requests must be processed through the Board of Education with standardized forms.
That agreement was approved unanimously.
Franklin Spears Spur Road closure passed unanimously.
King provided a Cumberland County Splash Pad & Community Pavilion update.
He said the commercial plumber who installed the Russell Springs Splash-pad was hired to replicate it here.
The Judge stressed that the City of Burksville Water Superintendent has confirmed to him that there is adequate water pressure and capacity for splash pad use.
As to the pavilion, he said that Esh’s in Marrowbone has estimated the whole project at approximately $58,478 total, materials and labor.
He suggested that the materials could be purchased by the county, thus saving the cost of sales tax and likely getting a better price as well.
King suggested that local contractors submit proposals for labor cost on the project. The pavilion is a 40 x 80 structure, as well as a men’s and women’s bathroom/changing room and mechanical room for the facility. A motion was approved pursuing further labor-only bids and finalizing plans.
Departmental Reports
Road Department Superintendent Ricky Milton reported that their equipment fleet is in excellent condition.
He said preparations are underway for winter weather.
Emergency Management Director Greg Cary outlined their collaboration with Center Point Church and the County Extension Office on shelter preparation training with 30 people participating in the training.
Additional Resource Management Training is scheduled for January 6th.
Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Officer Junior Smith reported sales for September and October showing year-to-date sales increases of approximately $200,000 compared to last year.
Cumberland County Jailer Thomas J. Brown told the Court that November transport runs totaled 29, covering 1632 miles.
He added that the home incarceration program had saved the county $5,904 in November.
Cumberland County Sheriff Keaton Williams gave the Court his office’s November activity report: 341 complaints, 55 traffic stops, 16 citations, 14 vehicle accidents including six with injuries, and 12 arrests.
He also expressed his appreciation for the road department’s prompt removal of brick columns damaged on the east side of the courthouse at the crosswalk.
Later in the meeting, Williams presented a vehicle lease option for 3 new vehicles to update the aging fleet, proposing a $1,030 monthly lease per vehicle.
Magistrate Lane Cope said he wanted to discuss a cost comparison vs. purchasing used vehicles Williams had proposed as an alternative at $34K – $35K each, especially as it related to ongoing maintenance costs.
Williams said that the insurance payout on one of the department’s cruisers was $13,000, which could go toward the cost of replacement.
The Court requested further information on lease terms and repair coverage and agreed to schedule a special meeting to hear the vendor responses.
Williams confirmed the current fleet is adequate for the immediate future but is aging, and at least one vehicle needs repairs estimated to cost more than its value.
The court granted approval to surplus a 20-foot trailer forfeited from a criminal case with the proceeds to go to the sheriff’s general fund.
County Coroner Gary White said that though he was retiring as EMS Director effective December 31st, he will remain active as County Coroner as well as remain a paramedic on a limited basis.
He said he was thankful for the county’s support and EMS team efforts through the years. He introduced the new EMS Director, Robert Campbell, and welcomed him to the team.
Later in the meeting, office space in the courthouse basement previously leased to the Commonwealth of Kentucky was reassigned to the County Coroner for office needs by a unanimous vote of the court.
White said his office has never before had an office provided by the county.
Water District Manager Michael Ballard told the Court that the Dutch Creek waterline relocation project, stipulated by the state due to roadwork, was progressing toward the year-end completion target.
He added that the installation of requested hydrants is pending, and the Marrowbone Water Project plans are proceeding positively.
The court approved $21,764.68 from the General Fund, originally for the annex fence project, plus $175,000 from the Road Fund to be allocated for loan payoff.
That included paying off a backhoe recently purchased and a portion of the FEMA loans to reduce interest costs.
King pointed to the Court’s debt reduction effort, paying down over $750,000 of the debt in the last three years.
On the subject of FEMA work, he reminded magistrates to submit all ongoing FEMA projects by December 31st for reporting to that agency.
King nominated Amy Gilbert for the Extension District Board member term ending December 31, 2028.
Her nomination passed unanimously.
The Court also approved the Road Department Equipment Purchase of a DOT-Z1 Pro.
The $600 device is for measuring roads, reportedly to improve mileage tracking, safety, and efficiency.
