PINEVILLE — A joint resolution to be signed by Middlesboro and Pineville City Councils, as well as the Bell County Fiscal Court, will help strengthen the area during the recession, said Judge Executive Albey Brock at Tuesday’s Fiscal Court meeting.

“These are tough times. We’re competing with the rest of the world at a time when the economy is on decline. So it’s even more important, now more than ever, that we work together,” said Brock.

He said it was important that everyone “realize that we’re all members of each other and that we’re not three divided communities here — that we’re one community.”

The resolution will be signed by those parties at the second Bell County Summit on the Future to be held Tuesday, July 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Middlesboro Community Center. The meeting will continue what was started at the first summit held in December 2008, including brainstorming sessions to identify ways to improve the community.

Brock also read a letter from Middlesboro Mayor Ben Hickman thanking the Fiscal Court for help cleaning the canal banks in Middlesboro.

“As you know, we are all facing difficult economic times and this type of help is very valuable to us in keeping our city clean and safe,” he said. Hickman added he looked forward to a “good working relationship between the City and County in the future.”

Brock said the letter was the start of a better relationship.

“We’re trying to help them as much as we possibly can,” said Brock. “There’s always in the past seemed to be some divide there, but we’re breaking that down.”

The Court also approved resolution that would support efforts to obtain grants or other financial assistance for Cross Properties, who is developing property on Hwy 25E to improve water and sewer services.

The Fiscal Court made the following action:

• Approve resolution assigning to Harlan County the right to apply to the governor and department of local government for multi-county coal severance funds in the amount of $2,000,000.

• Approve the official’s bond for Becky Blevins, County Court Clerk.

• Accept excess fees in the amount of $11,623.37 from Blevins.

• Approve request for family medical leave for Albert T. Zehner.

• Hire Jim Wayne Gray as part-time Deputy Jailer at $7.25 per hour, effective July 14.

• Change James Howard and Cindy Thompson from part-time to full-time Deputy Jailer, effective July 14.

• Hire Melissa Stewart as part-time clerical worker in the treasurer’s office at $9.00 per hour, effective August 3.

• Hire Tiana Lynn Lowe, Joshua Martin Daniels, and Sherry Kaye Teagle as part-time EMT’s at $7.25 per hour, effective July 14.

• Hire Sharon Owens as part-time paramedic at $9.50 per hour, effective July 14.

• Approve payment of $19,586.40 to Ackermann PR for work on the Bell County Strategic Plan (to be paid when funds are received).

• Accept J. Hall Road, Billy R. Partin Road and Cobb Nob Road extension into the Bell Co. road system in District 5.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.

Stephen Woodward /Middlesboro Daily News

Several Bell Co. pageant participants were recognized at the Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday. Alexandria Brock (right) placed 2nd in the Pre-Teen Miss Kentucky pageant, competing in talent, stage interviews, and modeling. Jessica Amber Taylor (center) won her division in Mini Miss Kentucky. Taylor Johnson (left) is the 2008 and 2009 Little Miss Kentucky Photogenic title holder (overall). They are pictured with their parents, Fiscal Court Magistrates, and Judge Executive Albey Brock.