At the first meeting of the New Year, the Wetzel County Commission was addressed by Susan Scharf from the Lighthouse Child Advocacy Center. Mrs. Scharf explained to the commission that the center investigates crimes against children, such as: internet crimes, abduction and trafficking, sexual assaults, physical abuse, criminal neglect, relationships, violence, stalking and harassment.

She also told the commission that in the years since she began working at the center the number of cases the center handles has increased several times over. The mission of the center has also changed over time that now the center has taken on the task of find missing or runaway children, youth with problematic sexual behaviors, human and sexual trafficking, and elder abuse. This all adds to the increasing responsibility and scope of the centers mission.

To help with the investigations of the cases involved a deputy from the Wetzel County Sheriffás department has worked with the center to investigate and help prosecute those accused of crimes against children and adults.

This assignment has been covered under normal deputy assignments. At present Deputy M.T. Owens has been working to help with cases and conducting interviews. It was pointed out that Deputy Owens some time even works on his days off to stay with an active case. At present there are 26 special victim investigation cases open.

Over the past 18 months: approximately 74 case have been investigated involving 50 sexual assaults, 18 child abuse and neglect and solicitation of a minor. The Lighthouse itself has conducted 125 case interviews.

With the case load, Mrs. Scharf requests that the commission hire a full time deputy to work with the center to investigate these number of cases. Sheriff Mike Koontz was in attendance and supported the Lighthouse request. He pointed out in order for the commission to hire a new deputy, there would first have to be a civil service test held. Testing, interviews and training would be required to fit the need of this position. The commission agreed to address the issue once the sheriff has moved forward with the hiring process.

Next on the agenda was the approval of the December 27, meeting minutes. Minutes were approved by full commission.

The contract for support for the county’s computer systems with GST was moved for approval by Commissioner Morris and second by Commissioner McBee. Motion was approved.

The 2023 holiday schedule was approved by the full commissioner.

Regina Lemley and Michael Martin were approved for the PSD Water Board, effective as of January 1, 2023. All commissioners approved their appointment.

After discussion by the commission, a pay increase was approved for Deputy Sheriffs. Officer’s base salary will increase $3,300 a year. This increase also apply to new offices base salary. Motion to approve was recommend by all commission members.

Commissioner Greg Morrison made a motion to approve a request for $250.00 to the New Martinsville Rotary Challenge Magnolia Round ballers group. Commissioner McBee seconded the motion and it was approved by full board.

Final on the agenda was the approval of the mileage reimbursement to 65.5Ç. This follows reimbursement guidelines. Motion was approved by commission.

The Wetzel County Commission also signed, filed, and approved various documents presented by the County offices including but not limited to Estates filings, checks, listing of invoices for payment, purchase orders, and reports for payroll, transfer orders, exoneration, letters and addressed matters requested by Prosecuting Attorney.

Commission will next meet on January 17, 2023 at 9:30 am