| The Calhoun Commission in a meeting Wednesday discussed what commissioner Chip Westfall called "a crisis situation" - the financial instability of Calhoun Emergency Medical Services and the organizations ability to provide future service.
Commission President Kevin Helmick, who also serves on the ambulance board, said the EMS's stability continues to deteriorate, often unable to pay bills with laboring debt and two ambulances that currently need $10,000 in repairs to make them operable.
Westfall said the county is responsible to see that ambulance service is provided to its citizens.
"We have reached a point where we need to look at options," Helmick said. "There have been times when meeting payroll has been on the edge, and the agencies credit to get gasoline has been cut off."
"The situation is worsening for them to stay afloat," he said.
Commissioners agreed that Calhoun EMS has historically been dutiful in providing ambulance service to the county, although EMS workers have always been underpaid and without benefits.
The commission, following an asbestos report given by Diane Ludwig of the LKADA, discussed at length how to move forward with what appears to be a replacement of the roof on the county courthouse.
Ludwig, after having contractors look at the roof, said, "It is a really major problem," with many repairs made during the courthouse's 70 year history.
Ludwig is continuing to try to get financial assistance for the project, which has been partially funded at $78,000. The project will be put out for bid.
Ludwig told commissioners that construction on the new DHHR office building at the industrial park is already underway.
- The commission completed a lease agreement with Rose Bud Realty for the Family Court.
- Commissioners let stand the fiduciary ruling in the Cleo Jack Hall estate.
- Issued a proclamation for the Calhoun Association of Retired Teacher.
- Met with Daisy Fryman who will be filling in for former WVU Extension Agent Curt Garretson, who recently resigned.
- Approved poll workers and emergency absentee voting commissioners for the General Election.
-The commission approved the removal on a number of individuals from the 911 Advisory Board.
The next regular meeting of the commission is on October 10.
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