| The Calhoun Commission started preparation of the annual county budget at Monday's meeting, with special budget sessions scheduled during March.
The county's total budget is about $1,800,000, but about $1,300,000 is the actual operating budget over which commissioner's will be pushing the pencil.
About $500,000 is from other sources, not county taxpayers. Those funds, often grants, are used by other agencies, services or projects, generally called "pass-throughs."
County taxpayer money is split between the local school system, receiving 60%, and 40% for county operation.
Calhoun has one of the smallest budgets and tax bases in West Virginia.
WATER PROJECT UPDATE, BUY-OUT GRANT
During Monday's meeting, Tim Meeks with the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council told the commissioners that Calhoun's $5.2 million water project will likely be unstuck following review by USDA officials.
Meeks said two contractors have dropped their civil suits against the Mt. Zion PSD, opening the door for contracts to be let.
The commission is applying for at least the eleventh year for a Small Cities Block Grant for a courthouse elevator, although the commission is also working toward obtaining money for chair-lift access inside the courthouse.
The commission will respond to a WV Advocates Report regarding courthouse access, making some immediate improvements.
Meeks reported on the Disaster Recovery Initiative Program, Calhoun received a $500,000 grant to purchase seven frequently flooded properties along the West Fork and the Little Kanawha.
Two certified appraisers will be hired to appraise the fair market value of the seven properties. Following several steps, a contractor will be hired to demolish the structures.
Following a request by the commission to elected officials regarding input for a Courthouse Security Grant, Calhoun's circuit judges have indicated further security measures regarding TV monitoring and courtroom access be a key part of the grant. The commissioners agreed.
GRANT PROBLEMS SURFACE
Commissioners discussed a request by Shari Johnson of Calhoun County Community Youth Force for a $23,000 grant to prevent underage drinking.
Commissioner Chip Westfall said Johnson submitted the grant too late to get on the agenda.
The grant application was due this week.
"Ms. Johnson is angry about this, but it is really not our problem," said commission president Bob Weaver.
"This is the second time within a year that Ms. Johnson has brought grants to the commission at the last minute before they were due," he said.
"This is the second time within a year that Ms. Johnson has brought grants to the commission, saying she wasn't aware that the commission had to approve them."
Jean Simers, who chairs Johnson's oversight coalition, told commissioners that the coalition had not yet seen the finished copy of the current grant.
Weaver said, "The commission has dealt with Ms. Johnson professionally and we are not responsible for her late situation...In many cases, this is unfortunate, because the grants could be really helpful."
"We are disappointed in the displacing and blaming she seems to be generating, indicating our failure to support these efforts," he continued.
The commissioners expressed concern regarding the alluding to a lack of support for the local school system and helping the county's children, indicating the commission has a long history of working with the county school system.
Commissioner Kevin Helmick said repeating the last minute efforts concerns him, after the commission's efforts last year to get a deadline extended on Johnson's grant to place a deputy sheriff at Calhoun Middle-High School for a special in-school program.
Weaver said a number of contentious problems surfaced last year, which led to a number of special meetings.
"The primary concern of the commission was how much additional money it would cost the county to hire a fourth deputy, even though the grant covered the salary and benefits," Weaver said.
Another issue was the cost of operating a sixth cruiser.
The three county commissioners voted against that grant after holding several special meetings, the grant was bogged down by a myriad of problems, in addition to budget concerns.
E-911 PURCHASING TRUCK, CHLOE GETS ADDRESSES
Kathy Wood, OES/E-911 Director, gave a report on recommendations of the E-911 Advisory Council regarding the purchase of a high-wheeled truck to be used for tower access and to pull the county's new Emergency Communication Center, trailer.
The vehicle will be purchased from the state contract, using 911 funds from the state.
Wood said a vehicle currently owned by E-911 that has 6,000 miles will be given to the commission for discretionary use. Commissioner Westfall indicated the Sheriff's department have vehicles with over 200,000 miles.
Gary Buchanan gave a report about E-911 addressing and mapping, indicating the last section of the county has received their new address, the Chloe area.
Buchanan gave an overview of the mapping and addressing project, saying the county has 31 mail routes, 16 post offices and 126 private roads.
E-911 is doing a major project erecting road signs on those private roads.
He expressed appreciation to a number of individuals who have helped with the project, saying "The citizens of the county have shown extreme patience and cooperation."
AGENDA ITEMS
Lynn Garber, with CRI-Parkersburg, and Janet Gherke, CRI-Grantsville, gave a report on services being offered by the agency, project money which must be spent by year's end.
The wide range of assistance projects and services will be publicized.
The commissioners will be discussing county concerns on a state-wide conference call with Gov. Joe Manchin.
Businessman Dick Morris appeared regarding a taxation problem, which was referred to Prosecutor Shelly Morris DeMarino for a recommendation.
The commission is still seeking a county resident, a Republican, to serve on the Deputy Sheriff Civil Service Board.
The commission approved a list of Democrat poll workers for the election.
Discussion was given to the purchase of a new computer for the prosecuting attorney, who told commissioners, "The old computer has died."
The commission reviewed several election items.
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