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By Bob Weaver
After Calhoun County having a good audit last year, the regional jail bill being paid
down to zero dollars and $17,000 in the black at the end of fiscal 2002 - the county
faces critical problems with this years budget.
The Calhoun Commission will be meeting with county officials and others whose
operating funds come from budgeted money. The meetings for the 2003-04 budget
are scheduled for March 10 and March 12 at 4 p.m.
Increased costs of operation and mandates continue to push the problem in
Calhoun, with stagnant growth and equally stagnant taxation. It is an
underlying issue in most of West Virginia's rural counties. The problem is also driven
by 35,000 jobs leaving the state in 2002.
Nearly all of Calhoun's employees earn just above minimum wage or what is
generally considered "poverty" wages, with the county struggling to pay for health
care as a benefit. The employees provide a huge amount of service, for little
money.
On the bright side, after considerable delay, County Clerk Richard Kirby says
contracts have just been signed for Budget Digest grants acquired by Del. Bill Stemple to:
Upper West Fork VFD - $5,000
Arnoldsburg VFD - $5,000
Upper West Fork Park Campground - $7,000
Arnoldsburg Park Ball Field - $10,000
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