The Calhoun County Commission met on Monday, April 27th, 2026 with Commission President Eric Lupardus, Commissioner Craig Arthur and Commissioner Lee Rush. Prayer was lead by Jim Hughes.
The meeting opened with public water system discussions with a member of the Mt Zion PSD present as well as representatives from WV Rural Water.
The Commission considered and approved the Month of May Foster Care Awareness Month Proclamation May 2026 NYAP. Commission President Lupardus signed into proclamation the Foster Care Awareness Month. Representative spoke about the number of youth in foster care in Calhoun with 100% of Calhoun foster kids in the 10-17 age range.
The Commissioners considered mapping bids for automatic mapping that would cover the following:
- Map and address new roads
- Change and update incorrect addressing
- Uploads directly to the CAD system.
- Training and equipment included.
Only one bid was received from Tanner Communications – $19,000.25. Kelli Barr made the recommendation as the 911 Department head to approve the bid submitted. The Commission approved Mrs. Barr’s recommendation unanimously.
O&M renovations quotes were considered with the following quotes received:
- Overhead Door Company- 7861.00 (provide scissor lift at $561.00)
- Stepp & Sons – $7950.00motioned to approve Stepp & Sons. CA seconded. Motion carried. 3-0.
Commission Lupardus made a motion to accept the quote of Stepp & Sons which passed with full approval.
Under Commissioner Updates Commission Lee Rush update the Commission on the Mid Ohio Valley Health Department stating that measles cases were taking a rise as well as Meningitis B cases.
MOVHD – LR updated on public health matters- measles cases taking a rise. Meningitis B cases are taking a rise as well.
The Calhoun County Park ball field improvements, Waypoint zero access roads and lighting installation has been discussed as well as other Funding avenues are being looked at. The Mural unveiling will be May 9, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at the mouth of Riffle Run Road, on Philips Run.
The WV Auditor discovered approximately $75,000 in delinquent County taxes.
FEMA demolition projects are now underway on the three previously approved Grantsville properties.
The Red Cross will be at the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department on May 6th, 2026.
Voter totals by the WV Secretary of State’s Office were announced:
- 1443- Ind, No Party,
- 1260- Democrat
- 1845- Republican
July 4 summer concert series will be the Flat River Band from Nashville with local artist John Richards opening for the event. More to follow when evening events are confirmed.
Resignations/Appointments – none
Personnel- Sheriff Graham Knight requested to hire a part-time security officer, William McCune to start as soon as possible. The Commission approved a motion for the security officer to work as needed.
Larry Whited asked if the guards were to carry firearms or wear protective clothing which Commissioner Lupardus confirmed that the security officers did carry a firearm, both new and existing . Commissioner Arthur made a motion to approve moving $2000 from the contribution funds to the Sheriff Department budget which was approved unanimously.
The County will be adjusting Payroll Schedule following an approved motion for a May 15 pay-cycle and a motion was approved for County Clerk Whitney Butler to purchase Quickbooks.
A resolution and application for a court security grant was approved to seek funding for panic buttons, cameras for Family and Magistrate areas. Updated microphones for Magistrates so the Sheriff can see all areas and communicate between offices.
A partial Grant Award for records management in the amount of $11,055.60 which includes $7612.00 in overtime/part-time was approved for less than the amount that had been requested.
The next Commission meeting will be May 13, 2026 at 1:30
