During its regular Aug. 28 meeting, the Wetzel County Commission met with Sheriff Mike Koontz regarding the sheriff office’s K-9 program. Mr. Koontz requested assistance with funding for the purchase of an additional K-9 unit. If the additional K-9 unit is obtained, the animal will be assigned to Deputy Swanburg who was also present at the meeting. Mr. Koontz stated he feels Deputy Swanburg is very motivated in this field and would be utilizing the animal in the fashion that’s expected from the department for the protection from illegal drugs.

The department currently has one K-9 unit, but it is anticipated the current dog will need to retire within the next couple of years. Deputy Swanburg requested the department keep the current unit after the desired unit is obtained for training purposes. However, Deputy Swanburg would be the only handler for the new unit. The dog will also live with him.

With the addition of a new K-9 unit, there is an added cost of $3,000 per year for the cost of caring for the dog. The total cost for the dog will be $9,860. This includes the training for the dog. Tractor Supply donates the food for the current dog and has donated for more than one dog in the past.

The department sees a real need for the K-9 unit. If a stop is made and narcotics are suspected to be in the car, a deputy can ask for consent to search the car but cannot search if consent is not given. However, if a dog is taken around the car and alerts, then the officers are able to search the car.

The commission passed a motion to pay $5,360 to the sheriff’s office for a new K-9. The sheriff’s department agreed to pay $4,500.

The commission also met with Rhonda Spencer, recorder for Pine Grove, who requested funding by the mayor and also requested approval of the sewer rate increase.

The commission stated it is very uncomfortable donating funds to the town when other projects it has donated to have not been completed.

Linda Barth from the Gabriel Project spoke with the commission to request a donation. The commission passed a motion to give $5,000 to the Gabriel Project.

The commission also approved to hire James Dale Hostuttler as a 911 dispatcher and approved the invoices at Wetzel County Hospital for improvements.

The next Wetzel County Commission meeting will be held on Sept. 4 beginning at 9:30 a.m. and located at the commission office on Main Street in New Martinsville.