| By Bob Weaver
The Calhoun County Commission and other agencies are unable to apply for numerous grants nor are local contractors or workers able to be hired because of prevailing hourly rates that often exceed $20 an hour set by the West Virginia Division of Labor.
Those rates are defined in WV Code based on union wages determined in other counties, and are not the prevailing wage paid by contractors in Calhoun County.
Because no local contractors responded to a survey issued this month by the Division of Labor, local contractors and workers do not get work.
The rates applied to Calhoun are linked to Wood County and other regional counties that generally utilize union work.
The Division of Labor establishes what wages must be paid for various classifications of workmen and mechanics that perform maintenance work and make public improvements.
Participation in this process by contractors is not mandatory.
The Division of Labor forms must be submitted by October 16, 2007 to be considered for the 2007 prevailing wage for the county.
Contractors interested in changing the rates, should call the Division of Labor at 304-558-7890, extension 163.
On the down side, if you reach them it will be a miracle.
Attempting to get a list of licensed contractors in Calhoun County has resulted in failure for five days.
The agency web site suggests that consumers should hire licensed contractors, and should check with them about the credentials of your local contractor.
They want $30 for a disc.
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