Local workforce development efforts got a boost Friday from Warren County Fiscal Court.

Magistrates voted 6-0 to approve spending $27,713 to continue funding the SCKY Works Inc. arm of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

SCKY Works is a not-for-profit educational foundation created by the chamber to help put policies in place to get the South Central Workforce Development Board established and in compliance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Warren County and the city of Bowling Green have been contributing to the work of the foundation.

Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon said the funding for SCKY Works is important in meeting WIOA requirements and assisting the workforce development board in bringing together the various agencies that are concerned with workforce issues.

“Getting all the partners co-located is important,” Buchanon said. “We need to make it easier for people to get all the services they need in one spot.”

Magistrates also approved designating $35,000 annually for a period not to exceed two years to fund a workforce coordinator position at the chamber. The position is designed as a conduit between the private sector and the workforce development board.

The workforce coordinator position has worked with targeted businesses but will soon begin playing a larger role in the chamber’s efforts to connect K-12 education and local employers, said chamber chief executive Ron Bunch.

“The position is still very much needed,” said Bunch. “We’re pleased that the city and county are continuing to invest in our workforce efforts.”

Magistrates also heard a presentation from Bruce Brooks with Telecom Audit Group about a proposal to conduct an audit of the county government’s internet and phone services as a way of possibly saving money.

Brooks said TAG works with a number of Kentucky counties, including Barren County. TAG is paid based on the savings it discovers.

Warren County Attorney Amy Milliken said of the TAG presentation: “I think it’s a great idea, but I think we’ll have to put it out to bid.”

She said she hopes to have a request for proposal item on the agenda for the Jan. 19 fiscal court meeting.

Magistrates approved the purchase of a 2018 Ford Escape by the Warren County Drug Task Force, which will use money received during a recent auction of seized and surplus vehicles to make the $17,958.58 purchase.

Drug Task Force Director Tommy Loving reported that the December auction netted about $89,000, money that will go toward purchasing new vehicles for the task force.

Magistrates also approved spending $10,050 to lease three metal storage containers for the SOKY Ice Rink. Buchanon said the containers will allow ice rink materials and equipment to be stored at Buchanon Park until they are needed next winter.

In other action, magistrates approved spending $3,558 to purchase two restraint chairs and another $6,243 to purchase 80 football helmets. The restraint chairs are being paid for with Warren County Regional Jail canteen funds.