Ridgeview News has been contacted on more than one occasion over the past six months by Grantsville residents and other concerned County citizens who were hoping against hope that someone at a State level would recognize the ill handled business practices of the municipality officials of Grantsville.
In matters of great concern and what should have resulted in investigations, the Town of Grantsville has reportedly
- Violated laws by refusing to provide information requested under the freedom of information act to two News sources
- Locked the Town office to prevent community access
- The staff was accused in an open council meeting of removing evidence from the City Police Evidence Locker and distributing it amongst each other, including drug paraphernalia and cash.
- The Mayor hired staff without proper approval
- The Town of Grantsville failed to lay the Town levy which will cause up to $90,000 in a financial General Fund shortage.
- The City has failed to file their annual budget
- They City has allegedly failed to file annual water and sewer reports
- The Mayor reportedly acquired a loan from a banking institution without the knowledge of all Town Council
- Utility bills are in arrears for thousands of dollars
- The Water Treatment plant was unable to purchase treatment chemicals due to a past due account in excess of $30,000
- A planned audit by prior council has yet to be done and contact refused by the Town of Grantsville from the scheduled auditor awaiting a contract signature.
- The Town of Grantsville refused financial help from the Commission of Calhoun County to assist with their delinquent accounts.
- Community notices of Town meetings are not made.
- Questionable billing is being reported from multiple customers with bills being issued for far less, or far more than amounts due.
Grantsville’s population has been on the decline for several years, falling to 449 residents. While the potential of economic growth is possible with some recent positive business investments, the community believes that without the assistance of the State of West Virginia, the next item on the agenda for the Town of Grantsville will be dissolution or disincorporation.
