On February 1, the Wetzel County Commission heard a request for funding for the Countyás Autumn Festival. Roger Spragg approached the commissions seeking funds to begin preparing for the annual event.

The festival organizers begin at this time of the year to contract with venders and entertainment to be part of the fairs or festivals. It is important that early preparations take place. Throughout the state beginning in June, hundreds of fairs and festivals contract with entertainment and vendors to fill the needs throughout the state.

The Wetzel County Commission provides funding for a number of festivals throughout the county. Commissioner Lisa Heasley believes this funding is a benefit to the citizens of the county. During last year’s Back Home Festival, one downtown business had a 250% increase in business. Hotels, grocery and shops see these benefits each year.

At this time, the commission has not yet determined the funding level for this year. Each March the budget for the county is prepared. County entertainment is a line item. During the years of Covid, fair and festival funding was not spent. The following years, the commissions felt that adding money for each festival would help kick start the activities. Once the commissions has heard requests for this year, they will determine the funding level.

Tax dollars collected locally spent on fairs goes back into the local economy. Festivals held at the 4-H camp bring in revenue to help keep the county owned facilities operational and improving the property’s infrastructure.

Mr. Spragg will be notified in the future along with other requestors the level of support they will receive from the county.

Next items the commissioners addressed were approval of the January 17, 2023 meeting. Commissioner Morris made the motion, commissioner McBee seconded it and it was unanimpusly approved.

Next on the agenda was the reappointment of Johanna Lemasters, Mike Barth, and Jim Colvin to the WCEAA Board of Directors. McBee made motion and Morris seconded. Approved by full commission.

Paula Holmes received advice & consent to be hired as full time Bookkeeper in the County Clerk’s Office. Morris made motion and McBee seconded. Commissions gave full approval.

Sheriff Mike Koontz requested a salary increase for Chief PRO Officer Steve Kastigar. Morris made motion and McBee seconded. The full commission gave approval.

Department of Justice Community Services (DJCS) and Victims of Crime Advocate (VOCA) schedule of payments awards for the Light House Child Advocacy Center was approved by full commission.

Finally the Reserved Budget Fund 1 revision was approved by the 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.

The Commission will next meet on February 14, 2023 at 9:30 am