Governor Matt Bevin has signed an Executive Order appointing commissioners to the new Kentucky Claims Commission. As a single administrative body, the new commission will oversee crime victims compensation claims, tax appeals and negligence claims against the state.
In his order, Gov. Bevin wrote the goal is “to create a streamlined process for citizens to have their claims and appeals heard while promoting greater economy, efficiency and improved administration. The resulting cost savings may now be used to compensate deserving Kentuckians.”
The new commissioners are:
· Carlo Wessels of Villa Hills, Kentucky whose term expires Sept. 30, 2017;
· Jessica Burke of Stearns, Kentucky whose term expires Sept. 30, 2018; and,
· Marcus S. Carey of Sparta, Kentucky whose term expires Sept. 30, 2019. Carey is also appointed to serve as chairperson.
“With the help of staff, all three board members have studied the condition of and procedures used by the three previous boards and have determined there is a great opportunity to improve efficiency, responsiveness and the quality of service to taxpayers,” said Marcus Carey, chairperson of the new Kentucky Claims Commission. “Furthermore, we have determined, consistent with the governor’s vision, that all of this can and will be accomplished at a significant savings to Kentucky taxpayers.”
The Executive Order entered in August replaced the Kentucky Board of Claims, Board of Tax Appeals and the Crime Victims Compensation Board with the Kentucky Claims Commission. The commission will be reviewed by the General Assembly during its 2017 session.