The Roane County Commission Meeting opened their meeting with Public Comment, at which time Crystal Laughlin Mersh, representing herself, her business partners and a group of interested investors, spoke regarding her plans for NEWCO (new companies) first venture capital opportunity in the Roane County area of manufacturing.
Crystal shared that her company was looking for brownfield (existing structures) and greenfield (options) for a new pharmaceutical manufacuting facility. She explained to the Commissioners that her career was in pharmaceuticals and their company is currently looking at a number of options in WV for a state of the art manufacturing facility. Later that day, part of Crystal’s team would be looking at the old veneer plant with Mark Whitley of the Roane County Development Authority. (See story later today)
The response she received from the Roane County Commissioners was enthusiastic and indicated that Roane County is very interested in expanding their manufactuing base. They also indicated that there could potentially be a greenfield option at Amma which they could facilitate and investigate as an option. Crystal stated that “I found their reception warm and genuine. The Roane County Commission was keenly interested in and knowledgable of supporting development in Roane County.”
Commissioners Andy Corkrean, Randy Whited (President) and Merlin Shamblin quickly passed through the first few items on the agenda to allow Sharon Kesselring and Woody Wilson of the American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Team to update the Commission on the recent Red Cross activities and to request the passing of a Red Cross Resolution in honor of March being National Red Cross Month.
Kesselring reported that their Chapter of the Red Cross which covers Roane, Calhoun, Jackson and Gilmer; had covered 11 disaster responses in Roane County during 2021, serving greater than 25 people. Twenty-two cases that occurred in Roane county involved that of the Armed Forces with a high number of veterans in Roane County. In addition to the disaster coverage, the Red Cross also provided 35 training services such as CPR and First Aid, collected 270 units of blood and had 10 volunteers to serve.
Woody Wilson informed the Commissioners, that, although the Roane Chapter of the Red Cross was spread thin they continued serving even through the pandemic times; face to face when possible and if not, remotely for the safety of citizens during Covid.
Kesselring and Wilson followed their report with a request for the County Commission to provide $2,500 from their budget to help fund Roane County’s chapter. Commissioner Whited responded with ”When the kids come around, you make sure you have a little money for them, and we’ve already set the $2,500.00 aside for your organization.” A motion was made and passed by all three commissioners to provide $2,500 from the 22/23 Roane County Budget to be issued in July 2022.
Commissioner Whited then read the full resolution of the American Red Cross, motion was made for it’s passing and all commissioner’s voted in favor.
Roane County Library requested funds from the Commission for the purpose of improvements on the facility restrooms and the replacement of the front door. The Commission questioned if it were possible to use COVID money with the restroom being a hygiene matter, but it was stated that it was doubtful but the County Clerk’s office would look into it further. The matter was tabled to wait for quotes to be received.
Bids are now being accepted until Noon on April 14, 2022 for the 2022 Mowing Season at the Animal Shelter. Bidders must complete a bid form, either online or through the office to be considered.
Camp Shepherd, a local 4-H Camp facility was updated with windows and an architect has been working on the specifications and installation of an HVAC unit.
The Roane County Economic Development Authority reported to the Commission stating that their organization was in good financial condition with several projects underway, but nothing new to be announced.
Commissioner Marlin Shamblin reported that the Roane County EMS has good news and bad news. The good news is Roane General is keeping more patients in house and not doing transfers. The bad news is, because of that the proceeds from transfers are down and hurting the financials of the EMS. They are considering cutting back to 2/24 hour trucks with a 12 hour truck for emergency call outs. Commissioner Shamblin further stated that ”they (County) can’t pay people to just sit there.”
The 911 calls were all covered and the ambulance service picked up additional calls in Clay, Calhoun and Clendenin.
All quarterly reports required to be submitted to the Roane County Commission were in with exception of the Roane County Library, which was not currently a concern because their reporting had always been exemplary according to the County Clerk’s office.
General business matters were taken care of and the Commissioners adjourned.
Upcoming events for the Roane County Commission are:
Regular Meeting: Thursday, April 14, 2022 @ Noon
Courthouse closed: Friday, April 15 in observance of Good Friday
Lay the Levy: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 @ Noon
