| Problems are mounting over the management of a $5.2 million 21-mile waterline extension project that could bring much needed water to several areas of Calhoun County.
Following a two-member Mt. Zion PSD board stalemate last week over approving the contract recommend by engineer Jim Hildreth, the Calhoun Commission is looking for applicants to be on the public service district board.
PSD board member Della Nichols resigned before a special meeting was held last Monday in Arnoldsburg to select a contractor.
The latest hold-up follows a series of slow-down events, including the PSD's inability to obtain right-of-ways over a 14 month period, starting in 2008.
Adding to the projects problems, Mt. Zion PSD secretary-treasurer Wilma Mace has declined to respond to a Freedom of Information request for PSD records issued by the Calhoun Commission.
The commission, while using the FOIA approach, has instructed the Calhoun County Prosecutor Shelly DeMarino to use legal means to obtain PSD records.
The commission has been at odds with Mace, who has failed to comply with WV Code, making financial statements, minutes and records available.
The Nichols resignation left board members Sharon Postalwait and Shirley Mace at odds over accepting project engineer Jim Hildreth's recommendation that the pipe bid be awarded to second-highest bidder Bruce Allen Construction of Harrisville.
Allen's bid is $200,000 higher than Calhoun contractor Ron Lane, Inc.
Hildreth, when questioned why he did not accept Lane's bid, said "It's risk management," indicating it was based on Lanes lack of experience.
At Monday's meeting, board member Shirley Mace raised the issue of a motion she made at a previous meeting, recommending the award of the contract to Ronald Lane, Inc.
Shirley Mace, who expressed dismay about problems with the project, said her motion had been seconded by board member Sharon Postalwait, and voted upon and approved.
Shirley Mace said she read the minutes of that meeting, and the minutes do not reflect that decision.
"What was in the minutes was not what I understood," responded, secretary-treasurer Wilma Mace who records the meeting minutes.
The Calhoun Commission is asking for letters of intent to serve on the board, with a deadline September 11 at 3 p.m. Letters should be sent to County Clerk Richard Kirby, PO Box 230, Grantsville WV 26147.
The commission will be appointing a person to the board during their September 14 meeting. | 
