Jones Disputes Reports He Didn't Disclose Work

The McCracken County Fiscal Court met Monday evening and discussed allegations made by other local media outlets of a conflict of interest.

Commissioner Eddie Jones told West Kentucky Star that the news reports and articles in question had incorrect information and the County Attorney said there was no reason to disclose his work for Scott Darnell, since it was done for him as a friend and there was no charge. Jones said he thought everyone on the commission knew about it anyway, and as it turned out, only Commissioner Jeff Parker did not know.

"The truth is, three out of the four commissioners did know it. They kind of got that wrong in their story. They said nobody knew it, but the truth is three did. Commissioner Parker did not know about it, so I gave him a copy of two letters. It wasn't sophisticated legal work." Jones said.

Commissioner Bill Bartleman said the article was inaccurate, and that he was misquoted. Commissioner Parker commented that he is interested in what is best for the County.

In other business, the court heard the first reading of Ordinance 2019-02, which amends the Sheriff's classification and compensation system regarding process servers, approved a petition to change the name of Dillard Street to Woodlawn Church Way, and heard presentations from AT&T-First Net and Verizon Wireless.

The approved budget transfers to pay county bills in the amount of $266,575.35, and approved the vouchers claims register from January 28th to February 11th in the amount of $486,764.15.

They approved 23 court orders and appointed Sally Wheeler to the Senior Citizens Board, effective February 11th.

The Court rejected a motion to modify Scott Darnell's contract, and they approved Commissioner Jones' recent appointment to the PACRO board. The approval was not actually needed by the court, but it was done to show transparency.

The next meeting of the Court will be Monday, February 25th, at 5:00 pm.