To the Citizens of Calhoun County,
The Calhoun County Commission wishes to provide clarity regarding the recent developments involving the operations and maintenance agreement between the Mt. Zion Public Service District, Pleasant Hill Public Service District, and the Town of Grantsville.
While the County Commission is not directly involved in the day-to-day operational decisions of this agreement, we are responsible for oversight of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were awarded to these three entities with the goal of encouraging cooperation and potential consolidation to strengthen water services across Calhoun County.
By unanimous vote of all three entities, Mr. Brian Arthur—an individual who is widely respected and highly qualified—was selected to serve as General Manager for the three systems. Mr. Arthur has spent several years traveling throughout the State of West Virginia providing training and technical assistance to public service districts and municipalities on water system operations. His expertise and experience represent a significant asset, and his departure is a tremendous loss for the citizens of our county, who deserve the highest level of professional service. The Calhoun County Commission offers its most sincere apologies to Mr. Arthur for the circumstances surrounding this matter.
In December 2024, approximately $1.2 million in ARPA funding was allocated to support the cooperative operations and maintenance agreement. Each participating entity was assigned specific responsibilities and directed on how their respective portions of the funding were to be utilized. Under this allocation, the Town of Grantsville was designated to employ the General Manager, while Mt. Zion PSD was allotted funding to cover the benefits associated with that position.
Despite the unanimous vote by all three entities to hire Mr. Arthur, the Town of Grantsville declined to place him on its payroll, thereby refusing to comply with the agreed-upon terms. Mr. Arthur left his previous employment and began work under this agreement on January 2, 2025.
The Calhoun County Commission will now be reviewing the ARPA funding provided to each entity and will work closely with appropriate state agencies to ensure that all funds are fully accounted for and that any necessary reimbursements are properly made.
The Calhoun County Commission will not tolerate the misuse of public funds, nor will it allow the actions of a single entity—operating under a formal agreement—to undermine the functionality and reliability of water systems serving our residents. Our priority remains the protection of public resources and the delivery of dependable water services for all citizens of Calhoun County.
Sincerely,
The Calhoun County Commission
He left because he wasn’t getting paid. Please don’t call this “a great loss to the county” when any other employee wouldn’t be hanging in there without compensation. If this were a countywide issue then why would the county be delegating money to the town to foot the bill, when over the last year the town has struggled to make payroll as well as fund the water department. What happened to the grant they got to fix the sewer plant? You can smell if for 2 miles heading down Route 5 whenever the temperature is above freezing. Also, no one in the courthouse is there because they “love serving the community”. Just wait until the audit comes through and the people will see how crooked every elected official in the courthouse really is. Nettles buys property for cheap from the Arnolds after they buy it at the tax sales. Arthur swindles money from the elderly by promising tombstones. And Crystal has 3 liens against her property because she won’t pay her contractors. Lupardus didn’t get the Dollar General in Arnoldsburg, Lane did, just like Lane got the one on their property over in Pennsboro.
Interesting article. It raises several questions which I am sure can be easily answered. Because I was there from almost the beginning when then mayor Bob Petrovsky first stated to put the framework together for the O&M- and then a while later Commissioner Craig Arthur played a role in its development- I was able to see the work and planning that went into it. Unfortunately for me, I am not familiar with some of the things that have developed over the past few months with it- so when people message me and ask some questions about it- I make it clear I am not up to date on the proceedings- so it would be much more transparent and accurate if those involved would answer. Due to the fact that for whatever reason, some do not want to publicly ask because a fear of backlash or other reasons, known to them, I will ask a few questions for them, and myself – just to keep the rumors from growing and the spread of any possible misinformation.
According to this article- Brian Arthur was appointed to head the O&M and the city of Grantsville was to pay his salary and what some would consider a very attractive benefit package. It has been shared that the City council of Grantsville unanimously voted for this- along with the other two water entities. Fine. Can we have someone publish the minutes of this meeting where we have on record the votes of the council? Also- who negotiated the salary and benefit package. If the city is required to pay the salary- should they not have a say in the hiring of personnel? The salary here is equal to or better than those who live in L.A., Chicago, NYC or any other major metropolis whose population is six million or more compared to the 6,000 or so residents of Calhoun County.
Was there not a petition a few months back stating that the water increase-(the first in 18 years or so, which cost the city of Grantsville tens of thousands in legal fees)- which ultimately resulted in a rate increase-placed an undue burden on the residents because of their lack of financial resources? If it is true, then, what has changed? If Grantsville is responsible for paying the managers salary- what are the other two water boards and/or county contributing or paying for to at least equal the cities cost in this matter?
Also, what is the O&M manager going to be doing that the city of Grantsville was not already doing?
It appears that there are lots of good plans to help our county prosper. The question- as this matter clearly points out- is not a lack of vision to grow – as it appears our elected officials are incorporating a metro government model as bringing that vision to reality. If the people want L.A, Philly or NYC- fine- just know that lots of people came here to leave that environment- for obvious reasons- but that is the peoples choice- and their responsibility to pay for that – which begs the last question on everyone’s mind- where is the money going to come from to pay for all these things? A Factory is coming we are told, but it is not operational as of yet. Several people have no water, or internet, which we are told is coming, but not here yet. I do not know about you but when most of us check out at the grocery store , we cannot pay with tomorrow’s paycheck. I am sure those leading the charge here have a plan in place the will not lean more heavily on the already overburdened population those who called for the petition on the water rate increase claimed. So, we are just asking those in charge some basic questions that I am sure can be easily explained. I will be copying and pasting this on my personal page because some of those who asked me these questions do not read the Ridgeview News or the Chronicle for reasons of their own. That does not exclude them from not being informed. Have a great day and God Bless!