Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

During a meeting of the Harlan Fiscal Court recently, a disagreement took place concerning the purchase of a new county vehicle.

The disagreement came about during the court’s discussion concerning the payment of bills.

Treasurer Ryan Creech brought the bill for the purchase of a truck to the attention of the court.

“I’ve got one more bill that was given to me this morning for Herb Jones Chevrolet for a 2o12 Silverado, for $17,111. The way I understand it, it’s to come out of coal severance money for economic development for the project at Lynch,” stated Creech.

Magistrate David Kennedy questioned Harlan County Judge-Executive Joe Grieshop concerning the purchase.

“Judge, whose truck is that?” inquired Kennedy.

“Ours,” replied Grieshop.

Kennedy then asked for clarification as to who would be using the truck.

“Is that a truck for our risk management economic development director?” asked Kennedy.

Grieshop explained the vehicle would be used by more than one person.

“It’s a county vehicle and other people use it too,” answered Grieshop. “But that’s where the money came out of for it — was that project.”

A motion to pay bills was made and passed with one opposing vote cast by Kennedy.

In a statement made later via telephone message, Kennedy explained that he did not think it was the proper time to be spending money on a truck.

“It wasn’t a big issue. I just felt like we didn’t need to purchase that truck at this time,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy explained Grieshop has the legal right to make such decisions.

“The judge is perfectly within his legal rights to do that,” said Kennedy. “I’m just a little money cautious right now.”

Kennedy pointed out he was the only court member who had an issue with the purchase.

“The rest of the court felt OK with it. I was the only one that voted no,” said Kennedy. “Again, that’s the judges right to purchase the truck. He saw a need for it. It’s bought now it’s behind us.”

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@heartlandpublications.com