The association lobbies officials at the state and federal level about issues that affect county governments. Harris was elected by members of the Kentucky Magistrate’s Association. The process by which the president is chosen puts Harris in line to be president of KACo in 2012.
“The association works to help county governments,” Harris told the Daily News. “It is concerned with issues such as unfunded mandates.”
An example of an unfunded mandate is the requirement made by the Army Corps of engineers concerning the integrity of floodwalls maintained by county governments.
According to Harris, the Corps has mandated that all floodwalls be certified by reputable engineers as safe. District Six has two such floodwalls protecting citizens from flooding of Tug River: one behind South Williamson and one adjacent to the Appalachian Regional Hospital.
“The cost to have these floodwalls inspected and certified by engineers would be $250,000,” Harris said. “The county would be responsible for that, which is a large sum of money. There is also a back-up pump at South Williamson which is not functioning properly, which will cost $30,000 to repair.”
Harris said he hopes KACo can work to help find funds to cover these costs so the county will not have to be responsible for those expenses.
“I am working with R-Hal Rogers (District 5) to help county government find some measure of relief for this type of situation. I will work in this capacity to help all 120 counties in the Commonwealth, but now Pike County has a magistrate who is in on the ground floor, who is aware of legislation that may affect us.”
He went on to say that Rogers has met with local officials concerning issues such as infrastructure and is aware of problems in the county, and is committed to helping Pike County by working with state and federal representatives.
“I want to be a voice for Kentucky counties,” Harris said. “I want to open doors to meet legislators at all levels of government.”
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