Ethics panel finds no conflict in EDA appointee

 SHEPHERDSVILLE - Any litigation that Debby Carter’s company may have with the city of Hillview should not interfere with her appointment to the county’s Economic Development Authority.

That was the decision of the Bullitt County ethics commission.

Bullitt County Judge/Executive Melanie Roberts wanted to recommend Carter, who owns Truck America Training, for the EDA vacancy created as Bob Hill’s term had expired.

However, she said several magistrates had concerns over Carter’s litigation with the city of Hillview over the control of 40 acres of property. That lawsuit has stretched over eight years and remains in court.

Carter said as a 30-year resident of the county and an owner of a business, she felt she could bring some new ideas to the EDA board. Roberts agreed.

She said the litigation has nothing to do with developing or selling the 40-acre tract. Instead, the truck training program wanted to expand next door to include a heavy equipment training operation. For several years when the company was renting the property, she said payments were made each month and the training consisted of people moving dirt back and forth.

“I love this community,” said Carter. “I want to help.”

Carter already serves as one of the county’s representatives with the KIPDA board and attends monthly meetings.

The ethics commissioners didn’t see where any conflict could occur between Carter and the EDA responsibilities.

Greg Cochran said that if no one who owned property could serve on the EDA board, then there would be no members.

He didn’t see any problems with the judge’s recommendation.

Roberts said she hadn’t had a lot of communication with the EDA board over her five years in office, although she did talk with director Bob Fouts.

Over the past couple of years, the judge’s budget proposal included no funding for EDA. In both occasions, magistrates placed the funding back into the budget for final approval.

The county contributes over $100,000 for the operation of the agency, which includes Fouts, a part-time administrative assistant and other expenses. The agency also solicits some contributions from cities and businesses.

The ethics commission voted 3-0 to state that there was no conflict of interest in Carter serving on the EDA board.

Roberts must make her recommendation to fiscal court for a final approval.