The Calhoun County C. ommission met for their second monthly meeting on April 28th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Little Courtroom. Commissioners Craig Arthur, Jacob McCumbers and Eric Lupardus were all present.
Under delegations, Ms. Anita West spoke briefly to inform the Commission that she did not submit the O&M Agreement in error spoken of at the last Commission meeting and provided a revised copy as her last contribution. She stated that she believed an apology was in order, which was promptly provided by Ari White of Mt. Zion PSD and Courtney Alexander of the Town of Grantsville.
Second to speak under delegations with a very formal apology was Ari White, Mt. Zion PSD Board member. The apology was for having disrupted the previous April Commission meeting and his failure to understand that the meeting was not a meeting of the Consolidation Board but rather a properly posted Calhoun Commission meeting.
A second apology was spoken from the audience by City Council member Courtney Alexander.
Local resident Kelly Hanes addressed the Commission asking why the courthouse American flag was not lowered to half staff upon the State order at the death of Pope Francis. Both the Commission and County Clerk Jean Simers, stated that they were not notified that it should be. Commissioner Eric Lupardus signed up for notifications following the meeting.
Assessor Jason Nettles advised the Commission that the courthouse plumbing was in need of serious attention. Multiple offices are having issues with commode water coming into their sinks as well as fecal matter backing up into the drains. The courthouse had been advised some time ago that the aging iron pipes were collapsing in on themselves creating the issues. Mr. Nettles said that it had gotten beyond tolerable.
Clerk Jean Simers said they’d looked into it before but the process is a major renovation and drilling issue coming with a high price tag. The Commission will look into possible emergency funding options.
The Commission announced the finalization of the Logo Contest for Calhoun County Students in all Calhoun County Schools. (Separate article to follow with information).
A county vehicle policy was approved in two separate policies. One policy would cover County owned vehicles and the second policy would be specifically for the Sheriff’s Department who needed provision made for approved ride-a-longs, unexpected persons related to CPS or other matters as well as mechanics working on county vehicles.
A matter of previous discussion was moved forward as the Commission approved the establishment of a County handbook review board comprised of each elected official, one civil service staff and one non civil service employee. The handbook had not been revised since 2011, with the exception of vacation days not being paid for following an employee being fired, quitting or retiring. All vacation days must be taken before the final day of employment or they will be lost.
Sheriff Graham Knight questioned the grievance policy, and was advised that the committee will create a grievance policy in the handbook that will be enforced prior to a judicial remedy. Once the handbook is complete, each staff member will receive and sign that they indeed did receive a copy. The question arose what happens if an employee refuses to sign, to which the commission stated that it would be in the handbook as to the circumstances of that decision.
The Commissioners approved the reimbursement for the 2024 utility costs of the Calhoun County Park as well as a $2,500 contribution to the WVU Extension office for utilities and supplies.
Ceason Ranson was appointed as Fiduciary Commissioner following the election of Lesley May as Judge, who had previously held the position. Ranson is an attorney from Jackson County.
Items tabled for a later discussion was a County Drug Free Work Place Policy, Funding Request Policy and the purchase of computers for the Three Commissioners, County Clerk and County Administrator.
The tabling occurred when Melissa Falls, Tax Deputy for Sheriff Graham Knight brought up the fact that the computers in the Sheriff’s Department were in such poor condition that they had daily concerns for the loss of vital tax information. The issue of their replacement had been addressed before but because of the use of two software companies that will not allow computers in their office as well as the clerk’s office to communicate and work together, they’ve been unable to replace them due to the high cost of purchasing new software and IT help.
Sheriff Knight said that the matter would be taken care of in July with the new budget, but he currently did not have the funding to purchase computers. He did asked both Melissa Falls and Trevia Fulks what happened the last time he had instructed them to buy new computers to which they responded that they had to buy postage with that money.
The Commissioners were shocked that this matter had not been brought to their attention before as well as the issue with the sewer being such a problem. Commissioner Arthur stated that he was glad it was brought to their attention now.
County Clerk Jean Simers said that they’ve been working on this program issues for three years. The program is an ancient DOS system that continually has issues.
Local Resident and former business owner, Joe Lancaster spoke to the Commission and said that he had watched as the county spent money on things that caused him to wonder. “These things,” he said, “sound like they need to be taken care of now.” Referring to both the plumbing and the Sheriff Office computer issues. “I think it’s time you get your priorities in order,” was his suggestion.
Trevia Fulks stated that they (county employees) have been trained for years not to ask for money for things they needed because the county didn’t have it.
The Location of early voting for the upcoming Municipal election will take place in the Little Courtroom in the Courthouse.
Additional security measures for the evening Commission meetings is needed but was tabled for a later discussion.
Another matter tabled was the acquisition of a new Commission bench. Several courthouse staff members present objected to the replacement of the large wooden table that has been their for decades. Larry Whited stated that most Commission benches re elevated above the audience and the seating for the audience was more comfortable than the pews now provided, suggesting the meetings might be attended by more people and willing to sit longer.
The consideration of a First Responder program was tabled for further review.
The next Commission meeting will be held May 12th, but at the later time of 4 p.m. due to a conflict.
Commissioner Lupardus requested that the Commission consider having meetings that were designed for specific topics such as some major economic opportunities that are coming in. He suggested that a public quarterly work session be held with economic development leaders and possibly State Delegates and Senators.
A very short discussion was held on the possible assitance to the the town of Grantsville for the paving of the courthouse parking lot and annex alley. City Recorder Emily Collins told the Commission to “Notify her immediately if they decided to proceed so she could get it on the agenda.”
The Commissioners approved for Calhoun E911 to proceed with an application for a he EMPG grant which would possibly provide half the salary of the 911 director.
No applications were received for the Civil service board appointment which will be advertised again.
