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After research, discussion and no clear answer on when an accumulated past-due fuel bill started, the Clark County Fiscal Court voted to pay the nearly $900 bill.

County Treasurer Alicia Mayabb said the balance had been carried over for at least two years, but the company, WEX, could not provide complete records prior to the last 24 months.

Mayabb said she reviewed the county’s accounts and it appears there were months when the full bill was not paid. When a payment was made the following month, the company paid the past-due balance first, which meant the full current bill was not paid.

“Because of the flow of past due balances, it never made sense,” she said. 

The county absolutely owes the month, she said. 

The fiscal court voted 5-1 to pay the $896.32 to resolve the issue from the county’s general fund. Clark County Judge-Executive Chris Pace voted no, because the company could not provide full documentation. Magistrate Joe Graham was not present.

“I think most of the blame lies with us for waiting years to ask the question,” Magistrate Daniel Konstantopoulos said. 

In other action Thursday, the court:

— voted to purchase a speed monitor for use on county roads for approximately $7,500. Konstantopoulos said the monitor will also gather traffic data, which would be useful for otehr departments as well. The purchase price would be paid with $5,000 from the fiscal court’s community foundation funds and the balance from road department funds. The court voted 4-2, with magistrates Robert Blanton and Travis Thompson voted no. Blanton proposed splitting the price evenly between the two accounts, as the community foundation funds are supposed to be for charitable and educational purposes. 

— approved the first reading of a budget amendment to incorporate several items including $1.2 million in CARES funding for Clark County.

— approved an order to appoint Clark County Fire Chief Steve Asbury to the county fire committee.

— approved tne second reading of an amendment to a 2018 Kentucky Educational Development revenue bonds for The Lexington School.

– voted to cancel the Nov. 11 meeting and schedule a special meeting for 9:30 a.m. Nov. 12. Pace said the court is also scheduled to meet on Thanksgiving. That meeting will be canceled as well.