| The Calhoun Commission moved to try and balance the county's budget yesterday, making it known they are requesting all elected officials to lay-off an employee or equivalent. The county has already laid-off the maintenance man who is the caretaker for the county park.
Commission president Larry McCallister said the lay-off actions are requests to the elected officials, considering the seriousness of the
financial crisis.
"The situation is critical" said McCallister, the budget put out of kilter by an $80,000 increase in the regional jail bill and several other mandated expenses.
The commission also voted as a Board of Equalization and Review to equalize assessments toward a fair market value on most county land. The proposal has been approved by the State Tax Department.
Sales of Calhoun properties have far exceeded current assessments, from 25% to over 200%. (Details on equalization and tax plan will follow)
The equalization and tax package was approved by Commissioners McCallister, Weaver and Sampson, and a date will be set aside for comment.
After cutting health insurance to all elected officials, the commission deferred further cuts of health benefits for the county employees.
"We have been looking at every option," said Commission President Larry McCallister.
The commission moved on selling the old Minnora School property, and is looking for a buyer. The Calhoun County Commission on Aging has indicated they are interested in purchasing the property. The commission is checking on the legal requirements to dispose of the property.
The property is currently being used by the Minnora Community Center.
The county's liability insurance, which covers county property and services, has increased from about $35,000 to $70,000.
The CCCOA is already building a new senior center on part of the property. Director Mike Ritchie said "If we would acquire the property, we certainly will work with the community and help in whatever way we can," regarding services currently provided by the Minnora Community Center.
"County commissions are required by state law to correct all budgets. We cannot create deficits like federal and state government, and must have the budget within 3%, otherwise the state has the legal right to attach our property," said McCallister.
Commissioner Rick Sampson said "This is all painful, but we must do what is necessary to maintain our county."
During several February meetings the commission has been reviewing tax assessments as a Board of Equalization and Review.
Other actions Monday:
- Decided to change the county's current circle dialing plan to see if it would save money.
- Deferred a road name request regarding the naming of a road from Rt. 16 to the county school board and bus garage and new 911 center.
- Commissioner Larry McCallister reported he was advised by the State Medical Examiner's office that a Medical Examiner will likely be appointed for the county, which negates the need to have a county coroner. Coroners John and Neil Stump have resigned as county coroners.
- The commission accepted the resignation of 911 Director Joe Tanner. They appointed Dave Johnson to the 911 Advisory Board.
- The commission will hold 2005-06 budget meetings on March 14 at 9 a.m. and March 21 at 10 a.m.
- Richard Kirby gave a report on a large amount of volunteer work at the new 911 center, saying electric and gas service is hooked to the building, indicating telephone lines and a sewage system is moving along.
- The commission approved a draw-down for the Yellow Creek-Back Fork water project, a request by Tim Meeks of the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council.
- Additional matching funds for a walking trail at Wayne Underwood Field was discussed with Meeks.
- Adjustments were made on a Court House Security grant which is due March 24.
- Meeks discussed a public hearing for the proposed Sand Ridge-Rt. 16 water project.
- Diane Ludwig advised the commissioners of a new proposal in the legislature to help counties with economic development.
- WVU Extension service requested funds for 4-H members to attended 4-H camp, with the commission deferring the request.
- Lisa Minney, reporter for the Calhoun Chronicle, discussed public information problems she is having with Calhoun EMS, indicating she is trying to find out if the organization is having problems with worker's comp and IRS, having issued a Freedom of Information Request.
- The director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department in Parkersburg requested additional financial assistance from Calhoun County to support public health services.
- Carl Shaw appeared regarding problems related to junk cars in his neighborhood, problems with tumble-down buildings and establishing a
an 80-acre Georgist land trust on his property.
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