County attorney and staff ‘hit the floor running’
“We’ve hit the floor running,” said newly-elected county attorney Margaret Matney. “The staff has been doing a wonderful job. I’m thrilled.” Matney’s brand new staff consists of Wanda Terrell, secretary; Tammy Hardesty, receptionist; Kathy Wyatt, office manager; and Greta Noe, assistant county attorney. The majority of the salaries for everyone employed in the office, including the county attorney, are funded through the Prosecutors’ Advisory Council within the attorney general’s office. Fees are also collected from the cold check program and delinquent taxes, and these help fund the office, also. Child support also falls under the domain of the Meade County attorney. The child support house has recently moved to its new location at 1141 High Street, Rivertown Plaza, Brandenburg. Joyce Bratcher, supervisor, and caseworkers Bridget Love and Angie Decker, who worked under the previous administration, have continued on with Matney. The child support office is funded through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Matney and staff have got a lot on their plates at the moment. Matney has been so busy that when this reporter asked her what her salary is, she replied, “I have no idea right now, since I haven’t yet received a paycheck.” There are more important things to worry about at the moment, such as getting things in order for the present and future of the next four years. Matney’s goals go back to her campaign, she said, noting accessibility as one of the most important things she wants the office to offer the citizens of Meade County. She also mentioned how there were 18 people in the office lobby just last week. “We try to return phone calls as quickly as possible,” said Matney. “We try to find out what someone needs and then prioritize the calls in order of importance and timeliness. The biggest goal is meeting the needs of the public.” Due to the large number of calls, all phone messages are conferenced with Matney, and return calls are made by staff members when necessary. Changes made to the office will most likely be implemented over time, but Matney noted one new program she’s already got rolling. The cold check collection program has been changed to what Margaret says she thinks will be the most beneficial. The person who wrote the cold check will receive a deposit slip to pay into a bank account set up by the county attorney’s office. The cold check writer no longer goes back to the merchant to pay for the cold check. Every two weeks the merchant who received the cold check will receive a check from the county attorney’s office for any fees collected on behalf of that merchant. Matney will soon call a meeting of merchants to explain the benefits of this new program.
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By KAREN KENNEDY