Folsom Volunteer Fire Department is refinancing expenses into a lower interest, one payment billing which would include a new ambulance and cardiac monitor.

Jimmy Glasscock from FVFD and Jeff Smell of Comvest explained the changes to the Wetzel County Commission at their meeting on April 21.

Smell told the commissioners that on April 14 they had a public hearing at the fire department to discuss the financial matters. They said no one opposed the measure.

At the request of Commissioner Scott Lemley, Glasscock said the current ambulance is a 1989 model. Bob Gorby asked if they had a certain area outside of Folsom that they cover. Glasscock told them Reader and Hundred.

Lemley asked, ” Does this fall back on the county if payments can not be made?” Glasscock responded by telling Lemley, “No, its the VFD’s responsibility.” Lemley explained at the meeting that he knew of some fire departments that are struggling to make payments. Glasscock said it would not be a problem as they receive sufficient money from the state.

In a related matter, a FVFD fire service agreement was discussed and passed by the commissioners. Glasscock also told the commissioners that Consol Energy is giving them a $5,000 donation to the VFD on Thursday at 9:30 a.m and they were invited to attend.

Also during the commission meeting, Commission President Don Mason read the proclamation to make April 24 Children’s Memorial Flag Day. He told County Clerk Carol Haught to make sure the courthouse maintenance department raises the Children’s Memorial flag at the courthouse on that day.

Mason also spoke of the Summer Youth Work Program involving youth ages from 14 to 24 years old that meet the eligibility requirements. The program will begin June 22 and end on July 30 with the youth earning $7.25 an hour, working 32 hours a week. The youth will be doing different jobs that are needed like landscaping, mowing, painting, and other general maintenance that is needed in the county and each municipality.

Mason noted that Paden City, New Martinsville, and Hundred are reportedly going to respond to this program, paid for by a grant from WorkForce West Virginia. Youth can call 1-866-9JOBNOW for more information.