![Shane Smart, a trucker from Harrogate, is starring in the Discovery Channel's "World's Toughest Trucker" show. New episodes air on Monday at 10 p.m., and the first two episodes are showing again this Saturday.](http://matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/508/assets/E5YR_APVB_Shane_Smart150X150.jpg "Shane Smart, a trucker from Harrogate, is starring in the Discovery Channel's "World's Toughest Trucker" show. New episodes air on Monday at 10 p.m., and the first two episodes are showing again this Saturday.")
| 167 
| 
| 19 | | 
Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
The Bell County School district owes nearly $659,369 to the Kentucky School Board Insurance Trust (KSBIT), according to information given to school board members during their monthly meeting.
The cost includes worker’s compensation and general liability costs for the years the district used KSBIT.
School districts across the state are facing payouts to KSBIT for debt acquired by the trust. That debt is more than $60 million.
“You don’t have a choice on whether you get to pay this or not,” said Steve Silcox, the district’s director of finance.
The district signed an agreement years ago that holds school districts liable in cases such as this.
“I think, personally, school districts should sue,” said Jeff Saylor, personnel coordinator. “KSBA (Kentucky School Board Association) should have to answer for what they’ve done.”
The Bell County School District left KSBIT in 2002-2003 because the company continued to increase premiums.
“I am so glad we left it back then,” said Bell Superintendent Yvonne Gilliam. “If we had stayed with it all of these years, (the debt) would be over $1 million.”
“This board is being held liable for something you had nothing to do with, things that were done 30 years ago,” said Gilliam.
KSBIT wants school boards to decide how they want to go about paying the debt by the end of the month. There are two options — runoff and novation.
Under the runoff option, KSBIT will continue to pay all valid claims. Districts will not know what the liability amount will be. Districts may end up having a second assessment.
If no claims go against the district, the amount to pay could be less the expected.
Under the novation option, KSBIT will transfer claims to a large, national A-rated reinsurer to take over the future responsibility for all present and future KSBIT claims. Districts pay a fixed amount.
Silcox said most districts are choosing the novation option because there is a set amount and it is better for budgeting purposes.
KSBIT also wants districts to explain how they are going to pay. There are three options: 10-year payoff, 20-year payoff and capital outlay payoff.
If the board selects the 10-year option, under the $659,369 price, they would pay $70,000 per year. If they choose the 20 year option, they would pay $40,000 per year.
The capital outlay payoff would require the board to pay the entire amount all at once. Gilliam said the board would not be able to do that.
The bonds used to pay off the debt do not go against the district’s bonding capacity.
The board decided to table this matter until they receive more information.
Other items discussed during the finance portion of the meeting included:
■ Attorney invoice;
■ Payment of bills;
■ The Kentucky Educational Technology System’s (KETS) Offer of Assistance one and two;
■ Bond of Depository for 2013-2014.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com
| 15 | | Tension was high during the regular Middlesboro City Council meeting on Tuesday after resident Angela Jackson requested the removal of Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe.
Jackson stood before the council wearing a T-shirt that she had used a marker on to openly display obscenities and suggestions of violence.
Random reasons were then stated, with her biggest complaint concerning the lack of community events.
Jackson told council Middlesboro’s crime and drug problems might not be as bad if they would find a new person for the police chief’s job. She pointed out Sharpe had back pain or an injured leg and wouldn’t be able to keep up with his job assignments.
Sharpe was granted an opportunity to react to the complaints made against him.
“I don’t feel the need to defend myself, but I will speak in defense of my force,” said Sharpe. “Our officers are also being called into question, as if they aren’t doing their job.”
Sharpe pointed out that the news agencies regularly report arrests local police are making.
He also addressed the question of his health, citing that his “time-clock hours” are available for review.
Sharpe affirmed he had served in law enforcement for more than 40 years. Sharpe said he has gladly served Middlesboro and declared that he has plenty more to give to this city.
“I’ve been shot at, cut, spat on, beat up, cussed and threatened, but this hurts as bad as any of that,” Sharpe said. “For someone to come in before an open council and belittle me in front of all of these people is hard to take.”
Sharpe recognized Jackson and acknowledged that she had wanted him gone for a long time. After both sides had said their peace, the meeting was quickly adjourned.
Prior to the Jackson incident, there were some questions raised by councilman Gary Mills. Mills had previously asked for more information on a particular matter and wanted it noted that he still hadn’t received the requested information.
Mayor Bill Kelley informed him that the information had been brought to the last meeting, but Mills wasn’t present to receive it. Mills extended his complaint, leading to several minutes of discussion. Kelley tried to determine what exactly Mills needed and eventually the meeting continued.
As the meeting continued, a request to go into executive session was brought forth and acted on. All members exited, apparently to privately discuss the importance and necessity of department heads and council members attending the meetings.
This meeting was in no way reactionary toward Mills’ previous absence. Mills was assumed to have a legitimate reason and rarely misses meetings. Members returned after a few minutes, announcing that no action would happen at this time as a result of the closed door meeting.
After the meeting’s agenda was worked through, council allowed the public to make comments or requests. A few different people had business matters to discuss.
| 19 | | Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
The Bell County School district owes nearly $659,369 to the Kentucky School Board Insurance Trust (KSBIT), according to information given to school board members during their monthly meeting.
The cost includes worker’s compensation and general liability costs for the years the district used KSBIT.
School districts across the state are facing payouts to KSBIT for debt acquired by the trust. That debt is more than $60 million.
“You don’t have a choice on whether you get to pay this or not,” said Steve Silcox, the district’s director of finance.
The district signed an agreement years ago that holds school districts liable in cases such as this.
“I think, personally, school districts should sue,” said Jeff Saylor, personnel coordinator. “KSBA (Kentucky School Board Association) should have to answer for what they’ve done.”
The Bell County School District left KSBIT in 2002-2003 because the company continued to increase premiums.
“I am so glad we left it back then,” said Bell Superintendent Yvonne Gilliam. “If we had stayed with it all of these years, (the debt) would be over $1 million.”
“This board is being held liable for something you had nothing to do with, things that were done 30 years ago,” said Gilliam.
KSBIT wants school boards to decide how they want to go about paying the debt by the end of the month. There are two options — runoff and novation.
Under the runoff option, KSBIT will continue to pay all valid claims. Districts will not know what the liability amount will be. Districts may end up having a second assessment.
If no claims go against the district, the amount to pay could be less the expected.
Under the novation option, KSBIT will transfer claims to a large, national A-rated reinsurer to take over the future responsibility for all present and future KSBIT claims. Districts pay a fixed amount.
Silcox said most districts are choosing the novation option because there is a set amount and it is better for budgeting purposes.
KSBIT also wants districts to explain how they are going to pay. There are three options: 10-year payoff, 20-year payoff and capital outlay payoff.
If the board selects the 10-year option, under the $659,369 price, they would pay $70,000 per year. If they choose the 20 year option, they would pay $40,000 per year.
The capital outlay payoff would require the board to pay the entire amount all at once. Gilliam said the board would not be able to do that.
The bonds used to pay off the debt do not go against the district’s bonding capacity.
The board decided to table this matter until they receive more information.
Other items discussed during the finance portion of the meeting included:
■ Attorney invoice;
■ Payment of bills;
■ The Kentucky Educational Technology System’s (KETS) Offer of Assistance one and two;
■ Bond of Depository for 2013-2014.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com
| 15 | | Tension was high during the regular Middlesboro City Council meeting on Tuesday after resident Angela Jackson requested the removal of Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe.
Jackson stood before the council wearing a T-shirt that she had used a marker on to openly display obscenities and suggestions of violence.
Random reasons were then stated, with her biggest complaint concerning the lack of community events.
Jackson told council Middlesboro’s crime and drug problems might not be as bad if they would find a new person for the police chief’s job. She pointed out Sharpe had back pain or an injured leg and wouldn’t be able to keep up with his job assignments.
Sharpe was granted an opportunity to react to the complaints made against him.
“I don’t feel the need to defend myself, but I will speak in defense of my force,” said Sharpe. “Our officers are also being called into question, as if they aren’t doing their job.”
Sharpe pointed out that the news agencies regularly report arrests local police are making.
He also addressed the question of his health, citing that his “time-clock hours” are available for review.
Sharpe affirmed he had served in law enforcement for more than 40 years. Sharpe said he has gladly served Middlesboro and declared that he has plenty more to give to this city.
“I’ve been shot at, cut, spat on, beat up, cussed and threatened, but this hurts as bad as any of that,” Sharpe said. “For someone to come in before an open council and belittle me in front of all of these people is hard to take.”
Sharpe recognized Jackson and acknowledged that she had wanted him gone for a long time. After both sides had said their peace, the meeting was quickly adjourned.
Prior to the Jackson incident, there were some questions raised by councilman Gary Mills. Mills had previously asked for more information on a particular matter and wanted it noted that he still hadn’t received the requested information.
Mayor Bill Kelley informed him that the information had been brought to the last meeting, but Mills wasn’t present to receive it. Mills extended his complaint, leading to several minutes of discussion. Kelley tried to determine what exactly Mills needed and eventually the meeting continued.
As the meeting continued, a request to go into executive session was brought forth and acted on. All members exited, apparently to privately discuss the importance and necessity of department heads and council members attending the meetings.
This meeting was in no way reactionary toward Mills’ previous absence. Mills was assumed to have a legitimate reason and rarely misses meetings. Members returned after a few minutes, announcing that no action would happen at this time as a result of the closed door meeting.
After the meeting’s agenda was worked through, council allowed the public to make comments or requests. A few different people had business matters to discuss.
| 19 | | Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
The Bell County School district owes nearly $659,369 to the Kentucky School Board Insurance Trust (KSBIT), according to information given to school board members during their monthly meeting.
The cost includes worker’s compensation and general liability costs for the years the district used KSBIT.
School districts across the state are facing payouts to KSBIT for debt acquired by the trust. That debt is more than $60 million.
“You don’t have a choice on whether you get to pay this or not,” said Steve Silcox, the district’s director of finance.
The district signed an agreement years ago that holds school districts liable in cases such as this.
“I think, personally, school districts should sue,” said Jeff Saylor, personnel coordinator. “KSBA (Kentucky School Board Association) should have to answer for what they’ve done.”
The Bell County School District left KSBIT in 2002-2003 because the company continued to increase premiums.
“I am so glad we left it back then,” said Bell Superintendent Yvonne Gilliam. “If we had stayed with it all of these years, (the debt) would be over $1 million.”
“This board is being held liable for something you had nothing to do with, things that were done 30 years ago,” said Gilliam.
KSBIT wants school boards to decide how they want to go about paying the debt by the end of the month. There are two options — runoff and novation.
Under the runoff option, KSBIT will continue to pay all valid claims. Districts will not know what the liability amount will be. Districts may end up having a second assessment.
If no claims go against the district, the amount to pay could be less the expected.
Under the novation option, KSBIT will transfer claims to a large, national A-rated reinsurer to take over the future responsibility for all present and future KSBIT claims. Districts pay a fixed amount.
Silcox said most districts are choosing the novation option because there is a set amount and it is better for budgeting purposes.
KSBIT also wants districts to explain how they are going to pay. There are three options: 10-year payoff, 20-year payoff and capital outlay payoff.
If the board selects the 10-year option, under the $659,369 price, they would pay $70,000 per year. If they choose the 20 year option, they would pay $40,000 per year.
The capital outlay payoff would require the board to pay the entire amount all at once. Gilliam said the board would not be able to do that.
The bonds used to pay off the debt do not go against the district’s bonding capacity.
The board decided to table this matter until they receive more information.
Other items discussed during the finance portion of the meeting included:
■ Attorney invoice;
■ Payment of bills;
■ The Kentucky Educational Technology System’s (KETS) Offer of Assistance one and two;
■ Bond of Depository for 2013-2014.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com
| 15 | | Tension was high during the regular Middlesboro City Council meeting on Tuesday after resident Angela Jackson requested the removal of Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe.
Jackson stood before the council wearing a T-shirt that she had used a marker on to openly display obscenities and suggestions of violence.
Random reasons were then stated, with her biggest complaint concerning the lack of community events.
Jackson told council Middlesboro’s crime and drug problems might not be as bad if they would find a new person for the police chief’s job. She pointed out Sharpe had back pain or an injured leg and wouldn’t be able to keep up with his job assignments.
Sharpe was granted an opportunity to react to the complaints made against him.
“I don’t feel the need to defend myself, but I will speak in defense of my force,” said Sharpe. “Our officers are also being called into question, as if they aren’t doing their job.”
Sharpe pointed out that the news agencies regularly report arrests local police are making.
He also addressed the question of his health, citing that his “time-clock hours” are available for review.
Sharpe affirmed he had served in law enforcement for more than 40 years. Sharpe said he has gladly served Middlesboro and declared that he has plenty more to give to this city.
“I’ve been shot at, cut, spat on, beat up, cussed and threatened, but this hurts as bad as any of that,” Sharpe said. “For someone to come in before an open council and belittle me in front of all of these people is hard to take.”
Sharpe recognized Jackson and acknowledged that she had wanted him gone for a long time. After both sides had said their peace, the meeting was quickly adjourned.
Prior to the Jackson incident, there were some questions raised by councilman Gary Mills. Mills had previously asked for more information on a particular matter and wanted it noted that he still hadn’t received the requested information.
Mayor Bill Kelley informed him that the information had been brought to the last meeting, but Mills wasn’t present to receive it. Mills extended his complaint, leading to several minutes of discussion. Kelley tried to determine what exactly Mills needed and eventually the meeting continued.
As the meeting continued, a request to go into executive session was brought forth and acted on. All members exited, apparently to privately discuss the importance and necessity of department heads and council members attending the meetings.
This meeting was in no way reactionary toward Mills’ previous absence. Mills was assumed to have a legitimate reason and rarely misses meetings. Members returned after a few minutes, announcing that no action would happen at this time as a result of the closed door meeting.
After the meeting’s agenda was worked through, council allowed the public to make comments or requests. A few different people had business matters to discuss.
| 19 | | Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
The Bell County School district owes nearly $659,369 to the Kentucky School Board Insurance Trust (KSBIT), according to information given to school board members during their monthly meeting.
The cost includes worker’s compensation and general liability costs for the years the district used KSBIT.
School districts across the state are facing payouts to KSBIT for debt acquired by the trust. That debt is more than $60 million.
“You don’t have a choice on whether you get to pay this or not,” said Steve Silcox, the district’s director of finance.
The district signed an agreement years ago that holds school districts liable in cases such as this.
“I think, personally, school districts should sue,” said Jeff Saylor, personnel coordinator. “KSBA (Kentucky School Board Association) should have to answer for what they’ve done.”
The Bell County School District left KSBIT in 2002-2003 because the company continued to increase premiums.
“I am so glad we left it back then,” said Bell Superintendent Yvonne Gilliam. “If we had stayed with it all of these years, (the debt) would be over $1 million.”
“This board is being held liable for something you had nothing to do with, things that were done 30 years ago,” said Gilliam.
KSBIT wants school boards to decide how they want to go about paying the debt by the end of the month. There are two options — runoff and novation.
Under the runoff option, KSBIT will continue to pay all valid claims. Districts will not know what the liability amount will be. Districts may end up having a second assessment.
If no claims go against the district, the amount to pay could be less the expected.
Under the novation option, KSBIT will transfer claims to a large, national A-rated reinsurer to take over the future responsibility for all present and future KSBIT claims. Districts pay a fixed amount.
Silcox said most districts are choosing the novation option because there is a set amount and it is better for budgeting purposes.
KSBIT also wants districts to explain how they are going to pay. There are three options: 10-year payoff, 20-year payoff and capital outlay payoff.
If the board selects the 10-year option, under the $659,369 price, they would pay $70,000 per year. If they choose the 20 year option, they would pay $40,000 per year.
The capital outlay payoff would require the board to pay the entire amount all at once. Gilliam said the board would not be able to do that.
The bonds used to pay off the debt do not go against the district’s bonding capacity.
The board decided to table this matter until they receive more information.
Other items discussed during the finance portion of the meeting included:
■ Attorney invoice;
■ Payment of bills;
■ The Kentucky Educational Technology System’s (KETS) Offer of Assistance one and two;
■ Bond of Depository for 2013-2014.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com
| 15 | | Tension was high during the regular Middlesboro City Council meeting on Tuesday after resident Angela Jackson requested the removal of Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe.
Jackson stood before the council wearing a T-shirt that she had used a marker on to openly display obscenities and suggestions of violence.
Random reasons were then stated, with her biggest complaint concerning the lack of community events.
Jackson told council Middlesboro’s crime and drug problems might not be as bad if they would find a new person for the police chief’s job. She pointed out Sharpe had back pain or an injured leg and wouldn’t be able to keep up with his job assignments.
Sharpe was granted an opportunity to react to the complaints made against him.
“I don’t feel the need to defend myself, but I will speak in defense of my force,” said Sharpe. “Our officers are also being called into question, as if they aren’t doing their job.”
Sharpe pointed out that the news agencies regularly report arrests local police are making.
He also addressed the question of his health, citing that his “time-clock hours” are available for review.
Sharpe affirmed he had served in law enforcement for more than 40 years. Sharpe said he has gladly served Middlesboro and declared that he has plenty more to give to this city.
“I’ve been shot at, cut, spat on, beat up, cussed and threatened, but this hurts as bad as any of that,” Sharpe said. “For someone to come in before an open council and belittle me in front of all of these people is hard to take.”
Sharpe recognized Jackson and acknowledged that she had wanted him gone for a long time. After both sides had said their peace, the meeting was quickly adjourned.
Prior to the Jackson incident, there were some questions raised by councilman Gary Mills. Mills had previously asked for more information on a particular matter and wanted it noted that he still hadn’t received the requested information.
Mayor Bill Kelley informed him that the information had been brought to the last meeting, but Mills wasn’t present to receive it. Mills extended his complaint, leading to several minutes of discussion. Kelley tried to determine what exactly Mills needed and eventually the meeting continued.
As the meeting continued, a request to go into executive session was brought forth and acted on. All members exited, apparently to privately discuss the importance and necessity of department heads and council members attending the meetings.
This meeting was in no way reactionary toward Mills’ previous absence. Mills was assumed to have a legitimate reason and rarely misses meetings. Members returned after a few minutes, announcing that no action would happen at this time as a result of the closed door meeting.
After the meeting’s agenda was worked through, council allowed the public to make comments or requests. A few different people had business matters to discuss.
| 19 | | Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
The Bell County School district owes nearly $659,369 to the Kentucky School Board Insurance Trust (KSBIT), according to information given to school board members during their monthly meeting.
The cost includes worker’s compensation and general liability costs for the years the district used KSBIT.
School districts across the state are facing payouts to KSBIT for debt acquired by the trust. That debt is more than $60 million.
“You don’t have a choice on whether you get to pay this or not,” said Steve Silcox, the district’s director of finance.
The district signed an agreement years ago that holds school districts liable in cases such as this.
“I think, personally, school districts should sue,” said Jeff Saylor, personnel coordinator. “KSBA (Kentucky School Board Association) should have to answer for what they’ve done.”
The Bell County School District left KSBIT in 2002-2003 because the company continued to increase premiums.
“I am so glad we left it back then,” said Bell Superintendent Yvonne Gilliam. “If we had stayed with it all of these years, (the debt) would be over $1 million.”
“This board is being held liable for something you had nothing to do with, things that were done 30 years ago,” said Gilliam.
KSBIT wants school boards to decide how they want to go about paying the debt by the end of the month. There are two options — runoff and novation.
Under the runoff option, KSBIT will continue to pay all valid claims. Districts will not know what the liability amount will be. Districts may end up having a second assessment.
If no claims go against the district, the amount to pay could be less the expected.
Under the novation option, KSBIT will transfer claims to a large, national A-rated reinsurer to take over the future responsibility for all present and future KSBIT claims. Districts pay a fixed amount.
Silcox said most districts are choosing the novation option because there is a set amount and it is better for budgeting purposes.
KSBIT also wants districts to explain how they are going to pay. There are three options: 10-year payoff, 20-year payoff and capital outlay payoff.
If the board selects the 10-year option, under the $659,369 price, they would pay $70,000 per year. If they choose the 20 year option, they would pay $40,000 per year.
The capital outlay payoff would require the board to pay the entire amount all at once. Gilliam said the board would not be able to do that.
The bonds used to pay off the debt do not go against the district’s bonding capacity.
The board decided to table this matter until they receive more information.
Other items discussed during the finance portion of the meeting included:
■ Attorney invoice;
■ Payment of bills;
■ The Kentucky Educational Technology System’s (KETS) Offer of Assistance one and two;
■ Bond of Depository for 2013-2014.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com
| 15 | | Tension was high during the regular Middlesboro City Council meeting on Tuesday after resident Angela Jackson requested the removal of Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe.
Jackson stood before the council wearing a T-shirt that she had used a marker on to openly display obscenities and suggestions of violence.
Random reasons were then stated, with her biggest complaint concerning the lack of community events.
Jackson told council Middlesboro’s crime and drug problems might not be as bad if they would find a new person for the police chief’s job. She pointed out Sharpe had back pain or an injured leg and wouldn’t be able to keep up with his job assignments.
Sharpe was granted an opportunity to react to the complaints made against him.
“I don’t feel the need to defend myself, but I will speak in defense of my force,” said Sharpe. “Our officers are also being called into question, as if they aren’t doing their job.”
Sharpe pointed out that the news agencies regularly report arrests local police are making.
He also addressed the question of his health, citing that his “time-clock hours” are available for review.
Sharpe affirmed he had served in law enforcement for more than 40 years. Sharpe said he has gladly served Middlesboro and declared that he has plenty more to give to this city.
“I’ve been shot at, cut, spat on, beat up, cussed and threatened, but this hurts as bad as any of that,” Sharpe said. “For someone to come in before an open council and belittle me in front of all of these people is hard to take.”
Sharpe recognized Jackson and acknowledged that she had wanted him gone for a long time. After both sides had said their peace, the meeting was quickly adjourned.
Prior to the Jackson incident, there were some questions raised by councilman Gary Mills. Mills had previously asked for more information on a particular matter and wanted it noted that he still hadn’t received the requested information.
Mayor Bill Kelley informed him that the information had been brought to the last meeting, but Mills wasn’t present to receive it. Mills extended his complaint, leading to several minutes of discussion. Kelley tried to determine what exactly Mills needed and eventually the meeting continued.
As the meeting continued, a request to go into executive session was brought forth and acted on. All members exited, apparently to privately discuss the importance and necessity of department heads and council members attending the meetings.
This meeting was in no way reactionary toward Mills’ previous absence. Mills was assumed to have a legitimate reason and rarely misses meetings. Members returned after a few minutes, announcing that no action would happen at this time as a result of the closed door meeting.
After the meeting’s agenda was worked through, council allowed the public to make comments or requests. A few different people had business matters to discuss.
| 19 | | Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
The Bell County School district owes nearly $659,369 to the Kentucky School Board Insurance Trust (KSBIT), according to information given to school board members during their monthly meeting.
The cost includes worker’s compensation and general liability costs for the years the district used KSBIT.
School districts across the state are facing payouts to KSBIT for debt acquired by the trust. That debt is more than $60 million.
“You don’t have a choice on whether you get to pay this or not,” said Steve Silcox, the district’s director of finance.
The district signed an agreement years ago that holds school districts liable in cases such as this.
“I think, personally, school districts should sue,” said Jeff Saylor, personnel coordinator. “KSBA (Kentucky School Board Association) should have to answer for what they’ve done.”
The Bell County School District left KSBIT in 2002-2003 because the company continued to increase premiums.
“I am so glad we left it back then,” said Bell Superintendent Yvonne Gilliam. “If we had stayed with it all of these years, (the debt) would be over $1 million.”
“This board is being held liable for something you had nothing to do with, things that were done 30 years ago,” said Gilliam.
KSBIT wants school boards to decide how they want to go about paying the debt by the end of the month. There are two options — runoff and novation.
Under the runoff option, KSBIT will continue to pay all valid claims. Districts will not know what the liability amount will be. Districts may end up having a second assessment.
If no claims go against the district, the amount to pay could be less the expected.
Under the novation option, KSBIT will transfer claims to a large, national A-rated reinsurer to take over the future responsibility for all present and future KSBIT claims. Districts pay a fixed amount.
Silcox said most districts are choosing the novation option because there is a set amount and it is better for budgeting purposes.
KSBIT also wants districts to explain how they are going to pay. There are three options: 10-year payoff, 20-year payoff and capital outlay payoff.
If the board selects the 10-year option, under the $659,369 price, they would pay $70,000 per year. If they choose the 20 year option, they would pay $40,000 per year.
The capital outlay payoff would require the board to pay the entire amount all at once. Gilliam said the board would not be able to do that.
The bonds used to pay off the debt do not go against the district’s bonding capacity.
The board decided to table this matter until they receive more information.
Other items discussed during the finance portion of the meeting included:
■ Attorney invoice;
■ Payment of bills;
■ The Kentucky Educational Technology System’s (KETS) Offer of Assistance one and two;
■ Bond of Depository for 2013-2014.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com
| 15 | | Tension was high during the regular Middlesboro City Council meeting on Tuesday after resident Angela Jackson requested the removal of Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe.
Jackson stood before the council wearing a T-shirt that she had used a marker on to openly display obscenities and suggestions of violence.
Random reasons were then stated, with her biggest complaint concerning the lack of community events.
Jackson told council Middlesboro’s crime and drug problems might not be as bad if they would find a new person for the police chief’s job. She pointed out Sharpe had back pain or an injured leg and wouldn’t be able to keep up with his job assignments.
Sharpe was granted an opportunity to react to the complaints made against him.
“I don’t feel the need to defend myself, but I will speak in defense of my force,” said Sharpe. “Our officers are also being called into question, as if they aren’t doing their job.”
Sharpe pointed out that the news agencies regularly report arrests local police are making.
He also addressed the question of his health, citing that his “time-clock hours” are available for review.
Sharpe affirmed he had served in law enforcement for more than 40 years. Sharpe said he has gladly served Middlesboro and declared that he has plenty more to give to this city.
“I’ve been shot at, cut, spat on, beat up, cussed and threatened, but this hurts as bad as any of that,” Sharpe said. “For someone to come in before an open council and belittle me in front of all of these people is hard to take.”
Sharpe recognized Jackson and acknowledged that she had wanted him gone for a long time. After both sides had said their peace, the meeting was quickly adjourned.
Prior to the Jackson incident, there were some questions raised by councilman Gary Mills. Mills had previously asked for more information on a particular matter and wanted it noted that he still hadn’t received the requested information.
Mayor Bill Kelley informed him that the information had been brought to the last meeting, but Mills wasn’t present to receive it. Mills extended his complaint, leading to several minutes of discussion. Kelley tried to determine what exactly Mills needed and eventually the meeting continued.
As the meeting continued, a request to go into executive session was brought forth and acted on. All members exited, apparently to privately discuss the importance and necessity of department heads and council members attending the meetings.
This meeting was in no way reactionary toward Mills’ previous absence. Mills was assumed to have a legitimate reason and rarely misses meetings. Members returned after a few minutes, announcing that no action would happen at this time as a result of the closed door meeting.
After the meeting’s agenda was worked through, council allowed the public to make comments or requests. A few different people had business matters to discuss.
| 19 | | Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
The Bell County School district owes nearly $659,369 to the Kentucky School Board Insurance Trust (KSBIT), according to information given to school board members during their monthly meeting.
The cost includes worker’s compensation and general liability costs for the years the district used KSBIT.
School districts across the state are facing payouts to KSBIT for debt acquired by the trust. That debt is more than $60 million.
“You don’t have a choice on whether you get to pay this or not,” said Steve Silcox, the district’s director of finance.
The district signed an agreement years ago that holds school districts liable in cases such as this.
“I think, personally, school districts should sue,” said Jeff Saylor, personnel coordinator. “KSBA (Kentucky School Board Association) should have to answer for what they’ve done.”
The Bell County School District left KSBIT in 2002-2003 because the company continued to increase premiums.
“I am so glad we left it back then,” said Bell Superintendent Yvonne Gilliam. “If we had stayed with it all of these years, (the debt) would be over $1 million.”
“This board is being held liable for something you had nothing to do with, things that were done 30 years ago,” said Gilliam.
KSBIT wants school boards to decide how they want to go about paying the debt by the end of the month. There are two options — runoff and novation.
Under the runoff option, KSBIT will continue to pay all valid claims. Districts will not know what the liability amount will be. Districts may end up having a second assessment.
If no claims go against the district, the amount to pay could be less the expected.
Under the novation option, KSBIT will transfer claims to a large, national A-rated reinsurer to take over the future responsibility for all present and future KSBIT claims. Districts pay a fixed amount.
Silcox said most districts are choosing the novation option because there is a set amount and it is better for budgeting purposes.
KSBIT also wants districts to explain how they are going to pay. There are three options: 10-year payoff, 20-year payoff and capital outlay payoff.
If the board selects the 10-year option, under the $659,369 price, they would pay $70,000 per year. If they choose the 20 year option, they would pay $40,000 per year.
The capital outlay payoff would require the board to pay the entire amount all at once. Gilliam said the board would not be able to do that.
The bonds used to pay off the debt do not go against the district’s bonding capacity.
The board decided to table this matter until they receive more information.
Other items discussed during the finance portion of the meeting included:
■ Attorney invoice;
■ Payment of bills;
■ The Kentucky Educational Technology System’s (KETS) Offer of Assistance one and two;
■ Bond of Depository for 2013-2014.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com
| 15 | | Tension was high during the regular Middlesboro City Council meeting on Tuesday after resident Angela Jackson requested the removal of Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe.
Jackson stood before the council wearing a T-shirt that she had used a marker on to openly display obscenities and suggestions of violence.
Random reasons were then stated, with her biggest complaint concerning the lack of community events.
Jackson told council Middlesboro’s crime and drug problems might not be as bad if they would find a new person for the police chief’s job. She pointed out Sharpe had back pain or an injured leg and wouldn’t be able to keep up with his job assignments.
Sharpe was granted an opportunity to react to the complaints made against him.
“I don’t feel the need to defend myself, but I will speak in defense of my force,” said Sharpe. “Our officers are also being called into question, as if they aren’t doing their job.”
Sharpe pointed out that the news agencies regularly report arrests local police are making.
He also addressed the question of his health, citing that his “time-clock hours” are available for review.
Sharpe affirmed he had served in law enforcement for more than 40 years. Sharpe said he has gladly served Middlesboro and declared that he has plenty more to give to this city.
“I’ve been shot at, cut, spat on, beat up, cussed and threatened, but this hurts as bad as any of that,” Sharpe said. “For someone to come in before an open council and belittle me in front of all of these people is hard to take.”
Sharpe recognized Jackson and acknowledged that she had wanted him gone for a long time. After both sides had said their peace, the meeting was quickly adjourned.
Prior to the Jackson incident, there were some questions raised by councilman Gary Mills. Mills had previously asked for more information on a particular matter and wanted it noted that he still hadn’t received the requested information.
Mayor Bill Kelley informed him that the information had been brought to the last meeting, but Mills wasn’t present to receive it. Mills extended his complaint, leading to several minutes of discussion. Kelley tried to determine what exactly Mills needed and eventually the meeting continued.
As the meeting continued, a request to go into executive session was brought forth and acted on. All members exited, apparently to privately discuss the importance and necessity of department heads and council members attending the meetings.
This meeting was in no way reactionary toward Mills’ previous absence. Mills was assumed to have a legitimate reason and rarely misses meetings. Members returned after a few minutes, announcing that no action would happen at this time as a result of the closed door meeting.
After the meeting’s agenda was worked through, council allowed the public to make comments or requests. A few different people had business matters to discuss.
Post a Comment
