The Calhoun County Commission and Board of Equalization and Review was called to order on Wednesday, February 13, 2026 at 1:32 p.m. by President Commissioner Lupardus. Commissioner Arthur opened the meeting in prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Others present: Commissioner Rush, Commissioner Arthur by phone, County Administrator Jennifer Randolph, County Clerk Whitney Butler, Sheriff Graham Night
Adam Mills addressed the commission about the need for utilizing local businesses. Mr. Mills also asked about the renovations to the O & M buildings and offered to donate time and installation fees for the upcoming upgrades. He also informed the commission that once the upgrades are completed, the building will need about $6800.00 to $7000.00 in additional work.
Commissioner Lupardus thanked Mr. Mills for the services he has donated and asked that he provide the commission with an itemized list of equipment that will need to be purchased.
Commissioner Arthur motioned to approve minutes from January 29th, January 30th, and February 4th minutes. Commissioner Rush seconded this motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Sheriff Graham Knight proposed offering community service hours in lieu of home confinement. Home confinement fees are costly to the county and offering hours of community service could be beneficial. Commission President Lupardus asked Sheriff Knight for more information and proposed that the commission push the decision to the upcoming budget meetings. All commissioners agreed to table this discussion until further information is provided.
Sheriff Knight also proposed to create a county Amazon Business account. President Lupardus was interested in looking into the service and County Clerk Whitney Butler agreed to research the fees, costs and setup restrictions. Discussion was tabled for two weeks.
Sheriff Knight addressed the commission about the benefits of purchasing a service agreement through iTech as a way to save the county money in terms of service calls for the building. Commission President tabled this discussion until a later date, once a fire inspection is completed.
County Administrator Jenifer Randolph presented a request to the commission to allow for Minnie Hamilton Health Systems to obtain unclaimed property under the name of former hospital Calhoun General. Commission President motioned to approve Minnie Hamilton Health Systems to begin the process of obtaining this unclaimed property. Commissioner Arthur seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Robin Hughes presented an update to the commission about the progress of the renovations being made to the O & M building. Commission President Lupardus discussed the need to make this facility a priority for the county. This discussion was tabled and Presented Lupardus requested a more detailed report.
Commission President Lupardus presented a request from Committee on Aging Director, Rick Poling, asking the commission for funding to aide in providing meals and the purchase of gravel for the Minnora facility. The request was for $5,609.50 to purchase 320 shelf stable meals and $1,100.00 for the purchase of gravel. Commissioner Arthur made the motion to approve this funding request and Commissioner Rush seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Commissioner Rush presented a request from Shelia Burch of Little Kanawha Area Development Corporation, to collaborate with counties facing similar economic hardships. Commission President Lupardus spoke of his conversations with leaders from other Economic Development leaders.
Commissioner Rush presented an update from the Calhoun County Park. Rush spoke of the ongoing construction efforts and possibility of technological upgrades.
County Administrator Jenifer Randolph presented a request from Dakota Laughlin to advertise a request for local artists to submit their work for the mural project. President Lupardus motioned to run this publication, Rush seconded this motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Robin Hughes, Mount Zion PSD, spoke to the commission about the sale of a vehicle owned by the Mount Zion PSD for $400 that was approved by the PSD’s attorney. Hughes also updated the commission about grant applications that have been submitted for the sewer system in Arnoldsburg. Hughes addressed the request for PSD to purchase safety equipment, stating that equipment is being purchased as well as training classes sourced for employees.
Robin Hughes spoke on behalf of the Animal Shelter, stating that the survey has been completed and the board is waiting on the survey report. Animal Shelter Board meets the 1st Thursday of every month.
Commissioner Rush motioned to accept the resignation of Jason Wilson from the Roane LEPC and E911 advisory Board. President Lupardus seconded that motion. Motion carried 3-0
Commission Arthur motioned to approve Gary Alvis to the Roane LEPC. Commissioner Rush seconded that motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Commissioner Arthur motioned to accept Mason Snider to the Animal Shelter Board, seconded by President Lupardus. Motion carried 3-0.
President Lupardus made the motion to approve Makaiah Ratliff to the E911 Advisory Board. Commissioner Rush seconded that motion. Motion carried 3-0.
County Administrator Jennifer Randolph presented an update for the $140,000 grant to purchase two cruisers for the Sheriff’s department, and the grant to purchase new lighting for the courthouse in the estimated amount of $37,000.
President Lupardus suggested a work session to discuss legal issues and obstacles of the three ongoing water projects, Horse Ridge Project, Annamoriah Rt 5 Project and the Upper West Fork project.
President Lupardus made the motion to approve the Erroneous Tax Assessments and Consolidations, seconded by Commissioner Arthur. Motion carried 3-0.
President Lupardus motioned to approve the Wills, Bonds and Settlement of Estates. Commissioner Rush seconded that motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Commissioner Rush motioned to approve the invoices presented to the commission for payment. President Lupardus seconded that motion and opened the floor for discussion. After discussion, motion carried 3-0.
County Administrator Jennifer Randolph presented the budget revisions. Revising the $7475.00. Commissioner Arthur motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Rush. Motion carries 3-0.
Kelli Barr presented to the Commission about Holiday and Overtime Pay Scales.
After discussions it was agreed that the E911 Handbook would be reviewed by the Commission and all employees. This discussion was tabled until approved handbook could be provided.
Commissioner Rush moved and President Lupardus seconded to adjourn the meeting at 3:26 p.m. Motion carried 3-0.
