Black Remains Employed, City Could Adjust Budget

Though Steve Black has been completed his first month as Crawford County’s presiding commissioner, he remains contracted to manage wastewater operations for the city of Bourbon.

During the city council’s Jan. 24 meeting, it was revealed that Black was still on the payroll, a position he’s held since 2017.

Ward 1 Alderwoman Margie Brine asked if it was a conflict of interest to have Black in that role even though he’s presiding commissioner.

Mayor Dave Lafferty didn’t see any issue with it and that the city is looking to train an employee to take over for Black when the time is right.

Black has experience in public works from his time with the city of Cuba.

The city’s 2022-23 budget, however, only set aside enough money to pay Black through December. City Clerk Cathy Bremer told the Independent News a budget amendment may have to be done.

Black was hired by the city in 2017 after Doug Montgomery departed for a different job. Without a qualified employee, the council at the time began a search for a replacement.

Boast Enterprises made a bid for the job, with Jared Boast putting together a one-month and five-month proposal.

Black came in with a proposal that was significantly cheaper — just $1,000 per month — and the board at the time accepted it.

Black was initially brought in for just one month, but is approaching six years with the city.