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During a special called meeting of the Clark County Fiscal Court on Monday, the magistrates voted to reject the reappointment of Bluegrass Community and Technical College Campus Director Bruce Manley to the Winchester-Clark County Industrial Authority Board.

Several magistrates voiced their concerns about potential conflicts of interest, which was one of the centerpieces of a controversial amendment to the ordinance that governs the industrial development authority, The amendment, which was tabled in May after receiving a first reading, would have given the Fiscal Court a greater presence at Board meetings.

Magistrate Dan Konstantopoulos was quick to note that his objection was nothing personal.

“I think a lot of Bruce Manley. I consider him a friend. We’ve talked on the phone several times. He’s a very good man,” Konstantopoulos said.

However, Konstantopoulos mentioned concerns.

“Unfortunately, with the ordinance, we’ve got some provisions in there of conflict,” he added. “For me, I think that we need to stay clear of that.”

Magistrate Mark Miller confirmed that the impression of a conflict of interest should be prevented.

“I don’t even want to give it the slightest bit of [a] thought process that people could look at it and say there’s a problem there,” he said.

The motion to reappoint Manley was voted down 5-2, with Clark County Judge-Executive Les Yates and Magistrate Robert Blanton as the “Yes” votes.

Magistrate Steve Craycraft was absent from the meeting.

A separate motion to appoint Donna Carter to the Board was also on the agenda.

Magistrate Blanton first motioned in favor of her appointment.

“[She] looks very well-qualified for a number of positions to me,” he said.

However, Magistrate Chris Davis – while complimenting her resume – had some reservations.

“I’m going to have to vote ‘no’ on this,” Davis said. “She apparently has some [human resources experiences], which is fine, but I think we can find a better nominee.”

Davis mentioned criteria for consideration being private sector experience, knowing that the candidate would be a strong voice for oversight and compliance and a strong voice for growth and development.

When asked by Magistrate Blanton if he would like to offer a comment, Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director Brad Sowden responded.

“In working with potential clients today, the number one issue they have is human resources,” Sowden said. “‘Are you going to be able to help us with the workforce we need?’ That’s the number one issue facing any community with industrial recruitment.”

Ultimately after a protracted and often times contentious discussion, the motion to appoint Carter was defeated by a 5-2 with Yates and Blanton again voting “Yes.”

New County Treasurer

Following a closed session, another matter was decided on.

After a lengthy search, Mary McLemore was officially hired as the Clark County Treasurer, effective July 1st, 2023.

“I want to thank those who applied. I think we had some very qualified applicants that made this [decision] tough”, said Magistrate Blanton. “I think it says a lot of good things about Clark County.”

Solar ordinance reading postponed

Initially on the agenda was a second reading of an ordinance relating to utility-scale solar facilities.

The issue had caused debate at a previous meeting.

However, this has been moved to an upcoming Fiscal Court meeting due to Monday’s being a part of a closed session.