The Wetzel County Commission recently denied a previously requested tax exoneration from Mountaineer Mainstream, LLC. Representatives of Mountaineer Midstream had previously met with the commission, along with Prosecuting Attorney Tim Haught and County Assessor Scott Lemley, to request the exoneration.

Commissioner Lemon stated, “This is a case where the taxpayer paid taxes on the property for four years, which they claim they had been paying in error.”

One of the requirements of the taxpayer is to accurately describe the property as subject to taxation. A hearing was requested to get an exoneration of the taxes paid over the four-year period in the amount of $509,000. After hearing the evidence of the case, the commission decided to deny the request by determining that the information given to the assessor was wrong due to negligence and not proven to be a clerical error.

In another matter, the commission passed a motion to approve the use of the Mollohan Center, at no charge, on March 24 to hold a Relay for Life fundraiser.

The commission also passed a motion to donate $5,000 to the Clay-Battelle Health Services Association, operated out of the Burton Clinic. The clinic is in need of some repairs until the new building can be built. Some of the updates include: new sinks, shut off valves, new faucets, blinds, paneling, and various other items. In another matter, Camel Technologies will be installing an access control unit in the sheriff’s department elevator for security purposes. The panel will limit access to certain floors without proper credentials such as an elevator card. Installation and equipment will cost approximately $7,866. There is also an extended warranty affiliated with the contract.The Wetzel County Hospital has requested $103,000 for repairs.

There is an agreement between the commission and the hospital, since the commission owns the building and grounds. The commission is required to help upkeep the building. Therefore the commission agreed to pay the invoices for the hospital in the amount of $103,000.Poll workers for the May 8 election have been determined. It was noted that a candidate’s family members cannot serve as poll workers. Also, a legislative bill just passed to allow counties to increase poll worker wages. The polling location in Hundred may possibly change, and Danny Westfall offered to let the county use his garage. More information will be published in the future on the matter. Per WV Ethics and Open Meeting Act, agenda items for Wetzel County Commission meetings will be posted within two business days prior to meeting. Request for items requiring action should be submitted within that time frame.

The next Wetzel County Commissioner meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3, beginning at 9:30 a.m., located at the Commission Office on Main Street, New Martinsville.