The Calhoun County Commission met Monday, July 7th, 2025 at 5 p.m. for their July meeting. Following the opening pledge and prayer the Commissioners honored CalhounCounty Clerk, Jean Simers, for her recent receipt of the Danny Cline Memorial Distinguished Service Award for County Clerk of the Year.
Under delegations, Hortz Motz, Calhoun Board of Education member, commended the County Commission for reaching out to the CalhounCounty Gilmer Career Center for a possible future project, stating that anything the Commissioners. Can do to help the Career Center students develop in their career is always appreciated.
Mr. Motz had also informed the Commission that the Pleasant Hill PSD had “supposedly” changed his meter, although he was not notified. Their work had created an issue with gravel and mowing, and he questioned a $25.00 fee for testing the testing of his meter saying that he did not believe he should have to pay for a possibly defective meter being checked.
By way of a follow up on his issues with the Frontier Communications phone company, Mr. Motz told the Commissioners that he had recently spoke with a Frontier representative and requested that they send someone to speak to the Calhoun Commission about the work they’re doing in the Northern part of the County.
His final question was regarding the water presser level at Brooksville Church which recently went over 100 pounds and should be on average 40-60 pounds. Commissioner Lupardus responded that he had just left the Pleasant Hill PSD Board meeting where it was mentioned that issues such as recent high pressure were likely caused by the Grantsville Water Department issues and leaks. He encouraged Mr. Motz to attend the Pleasant Hill PSD meeting where staff usually attended and he could question them directly about such matters.
The Commission approved the minutes of June 10, 23 and July 3rd, 2025 meetings. The motion was made by Commissioner Jacob McCumbers and seconded by Commissioner Eric Lupardus.
Under Unfinished business, Commissioner Lupardus stated that there was a new State Law regarding drug testing procedures and from that he believed that the Calhoun County Drug policy should be reviewed. He requested that it be put upon the next agenda.
In New Business the Commissioners considered a Live Stock claim filed by Sam Jarvis. With the guidance of the WV State Code they determined if the dog who attacked livestock was known it would be a civil suit, if not known, it would still go to the Magistrate Court for determination of damages, and if found necessary the county would look at the dog and kennel fund for payment. Commissioner Lupardus recommended that Sam Jarvis begin the process with Magistrate court. Jacob McCumbers will discuss it with Mr. Jarvis.
A Salvage yard permit application an Unsafe structure and property complaint form was approved. Motion was made by Commissioner Lupardus, Seconded by Commissioner Arthur and passed without discussion.
Regarding a County Purchasing policy, the Commission voted and approved that any purchase of $15,000 or more will come before the Calhoun County Commission with three bids for consideration. The new policy is in effect as of the beginning of the fiscal year. The motion was made by Eric Lupardus with second by Craig Arthur, motion passed.
| Purchase amount | Documentation required |
| .01- $999.99 | Receipts required – Commission approval prior to payment |
| $1,000 – $14,999.99 | Three quotes required, Commission pre-approval |
| $15,000-over | RFP Required – Commission pre-approval |
A motion was made by Commissioner Lupardus for a notice of request for Architectural and Engineering services for two upcoming courthouse projects:
Installation of an elevator system and mitigation of water infiltration on the lower level. Professional services will include, but are not limited to the following: project design; preparation of all necessary permit applications; preparation of construction documents, specifications and bidding documents; assistance during bidding and construction administration services.
Procurement of said services will be in accordance with WV Code. All firms interested in being considered for this selection must submit a proposal detailing qualifications, technical expertise, management capabilities, and related prior experience.
Please submit four (4) copies of all requested information to: Calhoun County Commission, Attn. Jennifer Randolph, County Administrator, PO Box 230, Grantsville, WV 26147.
Statements of qualification will be accepted until 4 p.m. on July 28th, 2025. The Calhoun County Commission reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all submissions.
In the reporting of Commission activities, Jacob McCumbers reported that at the July 3rd Calhoun County Park Board meeting there was a question raised regarding the custodial services provided by the Courthouse custodian. The park board questioned if the custodian was working the four hours requested. They decided that a check list of the custodial work needed would be made which the Board would like him to follow. McCumbers also reported that Minnie Hamilton and Calhoun Banks had made donations to the Calhoun County park which helped with their 4th of July event of music, fireworks and stargazing. Calhoun County Park Board meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. and the park is always looking for new volunteers.
Sheriff Graham Knight reported that for the month of June his office had ten arrest, service of seven warrants and a total of 134 calls for service. He reminded the citizens that everyone’s taxes will be mailed out on the 14th of July, 2025, but cannot be paid until July 15th.
Motion by Commissioner Eric Lupardus was made to approve and accept the litter control grant and job description and advertisement, seconded by Commissioner Craig Arthur and motion passed. The advertisement is the following:
The Calhoun County Commission and Sheriff are looking for a Litter Control Officer. They are looking for an enthusiastic, imaginative person with the ability to time manage and coordinate resources with different agencies to mitigate litter and assist with county clean-up and recycling events. The Litter Control Officer will work part-time, flexible hours and will investigate litter offenses; oversee the development, implementation and conferences; recruit volunteers and Provide guidance; map and report open dumps in the county; and serve on the unsafe structure and property enforcement agency. Compensation based on experience. Must submit to a background check and periodic drug testing. Application and current resume (optional) must be received by 4 p.m. on July 28th, 2025 to be considered. Hand. Deliver or mail to Calhoun County Commission at PO Box 230, Grantsville, WV 26147. Calhoun County is an equal opportunity employer.
In 911 Center news, Dispatcher Fred Waybright is retiring after 29 1/2 years of service. He has requested to be paid for his unused vacation. Commissioner McCumbers stated Mr. Waybright and his knowledge of the county would be missed.
Kelli Barr, 911/OES Director reported that the number of calls to have came in to the 911 center are:
Arnoldsburg VFD – 8
Calhoun DNR – 4
Calhoun E-911 – 18
Calhoun Sheriff’s Department – 126
Grantsville VFD – 19
MHHS EMS – 90
Upper West Fork VFD – 7
WV State Police – 84 (WV State Police also receives calls from their Charleston Dispatch, so this is not a complete number of call response)
There were no appointments to boards or authorities, but the county is still in need of one additional county employee for the Benefits Advisory Board.
Grant and contracts reported by Calhoun Administrator Jennifer Randolph were the receipt of a Court security grant for $56,790.00 Mrs. Randolph spoke with grantors who informed her that $5,000 had not been approved which was to remove walls in magistrate court.
