The Perry County Fiscal Court met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, approving a financial donation to benefit this weekend's upcoming coal rally, as well as approval for the policy and procedures manual for the Perry County Police Department and appointment of two new members to the library board.

The fiscal court was asked to donate money to go toward this weekend's coal rally, set for Saturday at the Knott County Sportsplex. Many of the surrounding counties also donated money, but this year the fiscal court in Perry County decided to give $2,000, half of what they have given in the past because of the tightening budget statewide.

Judge-Executive Denny Ray Noble explained that while the county had to cut back, they wanted to make sure they did give something to help pay the cost of the rally.

“We get a lot of money back, and we do need to protect our coal miners,” said Noble.

Noble did say that he would be more inclined to donate if the rally was to be held in a place where more people's opinions of coal mining could be changed, rather than in an area where the majority of people already support it.

“There is no sense us preaching to our own people, because we know what we need," Noble said. "If we are going to put all of our money in it, let's have it in Frankfort or Louisville, somewhere like that."

In other business, Perry County Police Chief Don Howard presented his newly completed policy and procedure manual for the recently created department. The county police force was formed to patrol the county's public parks, but officers have also worked cases, made arrests and conducted traffic stops.

“It took me about three months to sit down and make this (manual),” said Howard. “It is basically based on what HPD had and KSP had, and combined with what we need for our agency.” The 800-page manual is kept in two three-inch binders.

By having and approving a policy, the county police are one step closer to beginning work on accreditation. Once the department is accredited, they can begin to apply for grants and be able to buy more equipment.

The fiscal court also approved the appointment of Donna Engle and Ron Burnett to the Perry County Public Library board.

“Actually it’s my position to do that, and I have already done it, so I put it on here for review for public records,” said Noble.

The fiscal court also approved paying the county's monthly bills and paying for individuals who checked all of the voting machines before the next election.