County sees a reduction to tax collections in 2014

by MATT HUGHES

J-E Editor

On Monday, Webster County Clerk Valerie Newell reported to the Fiscal Court that the county had seen a sizeable reduction in tax collections in 2014. Her office took in $105,000 less in 2014 than in 2013.

The bulk of that, however, was due to changes to Kentucky’s Usage Tax law, the bulk of which goes to the state, not the county. The clerk’s office collected $601,000, that’s $144,000 less than the previous year.

The Motor Vehicle Usage Tax is a tax the state places on the privilege of using a motor vehicle on the public highways of the Kentucky. As part of House Bill (HB) 440, enacted by the 2013 Kentucky General Assembly, a trade-in allowance was placed on new vehicles sold on or after July 1, 2014. That trade-in allowance between July 1 and December 31 resulted in the drop in collections.

Newell also reported that delinquent tax collections were down by $33,000, but she expects that number to be back up in 2015.

The court then approved her 2015 budget of $2,853,000. The 2014 budget was $2.9 million.

In other business, the court handled a number of appointments, including those of all county employees. Magistrates also reappointed Road Supervisor Linda Wilson, Dog Warden Aaron Richmond, County Surveyor Keith Whitledge and EMA Director Jeremy Moore.

Following each general election, the county must issue surety bonds on the Judge Executive, Jailer, Sheriff, Coroner and Constables. It was noted that only two of the three constable positions had been filled during the November election.

“Since no one ran for the third constable’s position, we don’t have to have anyone in it,” said Judge Executive Jim Townsend. “As of right now I don’t feel the need to appoint anyone.”

“If someone comes to you that you feel is qualified, would you bring that to us for our consideration?” asked Magistrate Chad Townsend.

“I’ve had three people come to me already, I just don’t want us to get into that,” Townsend responded.

The court agreed to move forward with only two constables.

Reach MATT HUGHES

 at 270-667-2068 or 

matt@journalenterprise.com