The Russell County Fiscal Court took an initial step at this morning’s meeting toward transitioning the county sheriff’s office into a fee pool system.
The issue of a fee pool system arose several months ago, as Sheriff Derek Polston and the magistrates discussed implementing hazardous duty retirement for deputies.
The issue of hazardous duty arose again at this morning’s meeting. Magistrate Mickey Garner said during the meeting that the only way he would vote to implement hazardous duty retirement would be if the county also implemented a fee pool system for the sheriff’s office.
Polston said he wants to see the deputies receive hazardous duty retirement, but opposed the idea of a fee pool system.
Under a fee pooling system, all revenues generated by the sheriff’s office are turned over to the county treasurer who pays expenses and invoices for the sheriff’s office upon approval by the fiscal court.
The Kentucky Association of Counties told WJRS NEWS last week that over 30 of Kentucky counties currently use such a system. Barren, Garrard, Hart, and Lincoln counties are among those near Russell County that use a fee pool system.
Ultimately, Garner made a motion, seconded by Magistrate Terry Waddell, to have County Attorney Kevin Shearer draft an ordinance that would transition the sheriff’s office to a fee pool system. No magistrate opposed the motion during a voice vote on the issue.
