The Wetzel County Commission met on February 14 at their Main Street office. After the Pledge of Allegiance. A representative of the assessor’s office open three bids on their request for Ariel photography work needed. The work requested is not only to update tax maps, but also to maintained computer and tablet used by field assessors.

The first bid was from Atlas. They placed a bid totaling $92,000 for their services. Thrasher total bid for the work is an estimated $77,128.00. The final bid was from Six Guns with two bids. The first was with four control points, $66,720.00 and with three control points, $70,275.00. The assessorás office will review bids and talk with the commission.

The next topic for review was the Hundred Littleton PSD water issues. Representatives for the USDA spoke by teleconference to the commissions. In addition Ron Brill representing the Grandview PSD along with County Prosecutor, Tim Haught were part of the discussion. At the present time the USDA is awaiting a review of the Hundred Littleton PSD assessed value before moving forward. At the present time the Hundred Littleton PSD water service is in debt for $1,532,000.00. Of that amount, $69,218.00 is interest owed. Also $557,000 is owed for sewer services. Of that amount $4,287.00 is interest owed. Once the USDA receives the assessed value, a working meeting with all parties will be scheduled to try and resolve the issue.

Ms. Rosemary Guida, of West Virginia WorkForce spoke to the commissions. She wanted to make the commissions members aware that during the legislative session in Charleston, a bill has been put up for a vote that would re-open unemployment offices throughout the state. Offices were closed during the Covid crisis and have not reopened. She described how the states automated phone service for unemployment is a difficult system to navigate in order to file a claim or gather information. She explained that her office, WorkForce West Virginia is not an unemployment agency. She requested that the commission contact their area representatives and ask them to support the reopening of local unemployment offices.

The commission was next addressed by Mr. James Hoskins, speaking about athletic funding for school activities. President Lisa Heasley, indicated the commission was not inclined to fund school programs for sports. She indicated that in the recent history, several programs have approached the commission asking for funds and all had been rejected. However, County Prosecutor Tim Haught, indicated he would prepare a letter to the Wetzel County Board of Education inquiring how funding is determined for sports to better understand the question of sports funding.

The commission also approved the minutes from the February 1 meeting. A consolidation order (2) in the name of Kevin Goff was also approved. WVCORP Workers Compensation Modification Factor (Rate) was approved. Regina Lemley and Michelle Martyn were reappointed to the Wetzel County PSD #1 Board of Directors. Commission approved their appointment. A funding request of $1000.00 was approved for the Route2/ I-68 Authority. Motion was approved. Last, a quote from ERB to upgrade and expand cameras at the Magistrates office was approved by the full Commissions.

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.

Per WV Ethics and Open Meetings Act, the Agenda for the County Commission will be posted within two business days prior to meeting.

Commission will next meet on March 7, 2023 at 9:30 am