Steve Rawlings of the West Virginia Counties Risk Pool insurance program made a presentation to the Wetzel County Commission on Tuesday to update them of the program’s progress in hopes of gaining the commission’s interest and membership into the insurance program.

Member-owned and controlled, the West Virginia Counties Risk Pool insurance program is currently made up of 31 counties and county commission members. The state-wide program insures coverage of county-owned properties, vehicles, and equipment and promises efficient and stellar service as well as stable rates.

Modeled after the Virginia Risk Pool which started in 1993, West Virginia is the 48th state to implement a Risk Pool program. According to Rawlings, only 20 percent of governmental entities are covered commercially while the 80 percent majority is covered through programs like the West Virginia Counties Risk Pool insurance program.

The commission will take the program into consideration and will deliberate the presented option further at next week’s meeting.Also at Tuesday’s Wetzel County Commission meeting, Rosy Cozart presented a yearly report for the Wetzel County Animal Shelter:

Dogs: euthanized, 23; adopted, 86; rescued, 260; returned to owner, 20; taken in, 396; approval/foster, zero; present impounds, zero; present quarantines, zero.

Cats: euthanized, three; adopted, 15; rescued, 56; returned to owner, one; taken in, 73; approval/foster, zero; present impounds, zero; present quarantines, zero.