During March’s Calhoun County Commission meeting, Commission President Eric Lupardus briefly mentioned a recent information that had come to light regarding actions taken during the final months of the previous County Clerk, Jean Simers term. Commissioner Lupardus stated that “These matters raise questions that deserve clarification and transparency for the citizens of Calhoun County.”
in accordance with Budget Expenditure Limits (WV Code §7-7-7a), the code states that when a county official is leaving office, no more than 50% of the allocated annual budget may be expended without approval from the County Commission.
It was discovered based on a Short Budget Report that was dated January 22, 2026, expenditures from July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 totaled $104,577.81 out of a $204,328 budget. This appears to exceed that 50% threshold.
Budget Transfers and Accounting Procedures Guidelines from the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office require that all budget transfers—whether internal or between accounts—receive approval from the elected official, the County Commission, and in some cases the State Auditor.
A detailed report dated December 29, 2025 indicates that multiple journal entries were made between accounts without documented approval from the appropriate authorities.
Additionally, there is concern that an expense attributed to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office was paid from the County Clerk’s budget after the discrepancy had been identified.
These findings are presented for transparency and public awareness only. No conclusions are being drawn at this time, and all individuals are entitled to due process.
It is important that these matters are reviewed thoroughly and handled through the appropriate legal and administrative channels to ensure accountability and maintain public trust in county government.
Mrs. Simers was named the 2025 County Clerk of the year by the WV Association of Counties prior to her sudden resignation.
