Grant County holds meeting to discuss financial trouble

Описание: WILLIAMSTOWN, Ky. (WKRC) - Grant County is in deep financial trouble, and leaders are brainstorming how to stay afloat.

No new taxes for more than 20 years and a jail that has become a money pit has pushed the rural county to the brink.

The pace in Williamstown is slow and tranquil, but there's an undercurrent of tension. The fiscal court is holding a special meeting Monday night to discuss the fiscal crisis.

"We really should have passed taxes last year. I hate myself for it. I wish I had. I don't think my magistrates were for it. I think they wanted to hold off another year," said Grant County judge-executive, Steve Wood.

Spending is frozen. Road crews say they have enough salt for maybe one more snow. County rainy day funds have been spent. A dispute between the judge and the jailer got expensive.

"What happened is we tried to close the jail to help save money in the county, but it backfired on us," said Wood.

Long-postponed repairs to the jail and a lack of paying state inmates has eaten away at the bottom line. The only source of revenue in Grant County is property tax. That could change. The judge-executive is proposing a 2 percent payroll tax and a 12 percent insurance premium tax. If nothing's done, Grant County could be about $600,000 in the red July 1.

Across the street from the courthouse, Bryan Turner and his wife will open All God's Creations, a handmade crafts store, Feb. 1. He plans on attending Monday night's meeting.

"I think that should be a last resort to raise taxes. They should look at more effective means to encourage growth in the community. You look up and down the street there are at least a half-dozen empty buildings," said Turner.

Turner blames the fiscal problem on a fiscal court not doing its job. The judge says it's time to step up.

"So, if indeed the fiscal court, your magistrates don't want to buy into a 2 percent payroll tax or an insurance tax, come June we're doomed. We're doomed if they don't do it. I think they will. I guess we'll find out tonight," said Wood.

Monday night, they'll find out if taxes go up, services go down, jobs go out or some combination of the three.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. at the county administration building on Main Street in Williamstown.