| The Calhoun Commission approved a change in courthouse hours this week, changing the hours to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the change to go into effect on October 16.
"The reason for the change in court house hours, it was recommended by the state auditors office so that the county would be in compliance with federal minimum wage and overtime laws," said Westfall.
Westfall said the commission had spent several weeks researching the commission's legal authority to define the office hours of elected officials, and that it appears that authority is to define when the courthouse will be open.
Commissioner Helmick said, "I believe this is the right thing to do, not that it will increase traffic in the courthouse, but it can be more convenient."
"While there are reasons why certain offices can't be staffed and open during lunch hour, it is my suggestion that they should, particularly when they have staff, the commissions apparent authority is to adjust their budget during budget time for non-compliance," Helmick said.
Helmick said most offices are open during lunch hour, with most complaints he has received related to the Sheriff's office closing at lunch.
The commission learned that earlier movement by AT&T to erect additional cell phone towers in Calhoun has apparently been dropped, the commission has long taken a pro-active stance to improve cell service in the county, offering free placement of equipment on the county's 911 towers, with no takers.
At least one building permit for a new AT&T tower has lapsed.
County Clerk Jean Simers advised the commission that an earlier cash flow problem appears to be resolved.
Simers also advised reassigned grant funding for courthouse improvements, which provided funds for new external doors and courthouse security, will be used to hang new doors on officials offices, replacing doors that were likely installed in the early 1940s.
Grantsville resident Tom Ullum appeared at the recent commission meeting to complain about multiple issues, including the management of Calhoun 911 and to hear a resolution regarding courthouse hours.
Ullum claimed there was an incestuous nature with the 911 Advisory Board.
Ullum complained he was unable to obtain a recording from Calhoun 911 regarding a Gilmer County capias warrant arrest by Grantsville police chief Andy Walker related to a DUI that sent Ullum to Central Regional Jail.
911 Director Kathy Wood reported that the recording was erased because of a lightening strike.
Wood said Ullum also requested a recording, which she made available, regarding 911 traffic related to his wrecker service recently responding to a disabled motorist in Grantsville.
Grantsville Police Chief Walker, on 911 traffic, questioned Ullum's wrecker business providing such service since he reportedly has not had a business license since 2013, nor is his service credentialed by the West Virginia Public Service Commission.
Ullum also complained that the commission minutes do not reflect his numerous complaints, and was told that official minutes record actions taken by the commission and were recorded in a legal, appropriate manner.
Ullum has made frequent appearances at both Calhoun Commission and Grantsville council meetings regarding what he says are "public issues."
Commission president Chip Westfall said the commission has tried to be responsive to Ullum's concerns.
Minnie Hamilton EMS reported the service responded to 73 calls in August.
A Calhoun 911 report said that 911 showed 19 calls for the Calhoun Sheriffs Department; 96 calls for WV State Police; 12 calls for the Grantsville Police Department; 6 calls for the DNR officer.
The report showed the Grantsville VFD responded to 11 calls; Upper West Fork VFD 5; Arnoldsburg VFD 2.
The commission is pursuing additional funding to extend handicapped chairlifts to the upper floors of the courthouse.
The commission approved $1000 to the Calhoun County Wood Festival committee for maintenance of Wayne Underwood Field.
Kathy Westfall was approved as a part-time employee in the County Clerk's office.
Community Resource's specialist Janet Gherke reported on the services the agency provides to Calhoun citizens, including crisis intervention, tax assistance, weatherization, and numerous other services.
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