MCCALLISTER SAYS PAYCHECKS ISSUED - "Getting Past The Crisis"

(03/08/2005)
Calhoun Commission President Larry McCallister said paychecks have been issued to elected officials after the county was sure there was enough cash in the bank to pay workers.

"The commission is doing everything we can to get past this crisis," he said, indicating the county is taking a number of steps to get money in the bank, including asking the state to speed up some funding.

McCallister and County Clerk Richard Kirby met with Gov. Joe Manchin last week to advise him of the crisis.

McCallister said "We have been going to great lengths to keep some of our employees from losing their jobs and trying to keep health benefits."

"Unfortunately, some of that is happening," he said. Employees have been cut along with health benefits for elected officials.

"We are trying not to cut health benefits for our county employees," he said, indicating several "stop-gap" actions will hopefully keep the county in operation, until increased valuations will generate enough tax to help.

SEE earlier stories on Calhoun's financial crisis.