Trigg County magistrates heard an update from Sheriff Aaron Acree and approved the 2020 tax rates during their Monday evening meeting.
Sheriff Acree assured magistrates his office will be fully staffed by November 1 and that county-wide patrolling will occur throughout his time in office.
Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander took a second to brag on Acree and the work he has done for the department. Acree said he will do right by residents each and every day.
Magistrates took the time to ask Acree questions about the department and the work he has done. One question pertained to the special deputy program, which Sheriff Acree said he suspended on his first day.
While answering questions, Sheriff Acree told magistrates the officers he has working on his staff.
Major Mike Sandbrink, who will serve as second-in-command to the sheriff, will officially start working with the department on November 1. Sandbrink was sworn-in on August 31 with Acree and Deputy Michelle Kent but due to conflicts with the Kentucky retirement system, he could not start the job until that date.
In business action, magistrates approved the 2020 tax rates. The rates will remain the same as the last nearly 30 years and can be found below.
Magistrates also heard from John L. Street Public Library Director Pam Metts who talked about how they have been doing through the pandemic. Metts also shared the 2020 tax rates her board approved, which are the compensating rate. The real estate rate will be 4.9 cents per $100 of assessed value and the personal tax rate will be 7.8 cents per $100 of assessed value. The motor vehicle tax rate remained the same at 3.5 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Metts adds they expect to bring in around $549,000 with those rates. Judge-Executive Alexander mentioned the library is a special taxing district, therefore the tax rates do not have to be approved by magistrates.
Magistrates also approved Kerry Sweeno and Lisa Sadler as appointees to the library board. Both will serve terms that begin on October 11 and will serve through October 10, 2024.