Calhoun Vote Canvassing, County Clarity and the Commission Meeting

The Calhoun County Commission, Jean Simers, County Clerk as well as 4 Ballot Commissioners: Warren Basnett, Pam Gainer, Michele Nicholas and Angelica (Nikki) Clark, two representing Republicans and two representing Democrats met at 8 a.m. in the Little Courtroom to begin the canvasing. At that time all precinct numbers were placed in a bucket and drawn from to decide the precinct to be canvassed. The largest of precincts was chosen, which was Arnoldsburg. Each vote was hand counted and tallied by Warren Basnett and Pam Gainer. When compared to the electronic report from the voting machines, there was a originally difference of 9 votes which was greater than the 1% or less required to certify the election. Following the meeting the votes were canvased again and it was then only 6 votes different and allowed the certification to take place. Votes by precinct are listed on an earlier story on the Ridgeview News.

The Canvasing was attended by Lia M. Palmer, Chief Investigator, with the Attorney General’s office at County Clerk, Jean Simers request. She had contacted the Secretary of State’s office and asked for someone to attend canvassing because of questions that might arise. Ridgeview News asked Ms. Palmer about the legality of the County Clerk handling the vote equipment when they were on the ballot. She stated she preferred the question be answered officially by the Secretary of State Office. Mike Queen of the Secretary of State’s office was called Wednesday morning who stated that with the exception of the Secretary of State, The County Clerks are the only elected official who are the Chief Election Officer and are required to do the job of the handling voter equipment and information. So long as there is transparence of duty, and trust by the community, there should not be an issue with the process. Jean Simers stated that this is why she moved all vote equipment into the hallway for that transparency.

The Calhoun Commission Meeting started nearly two hours late due to the canvassing issues.

Eric Lupardus was scheduled to speak during the delegate time but was unable to attend so his Mother, Connie Lupardus spoke on his behalf in representation of area business. She stated that she had come to get a general feeling of the commission and how they work with area small businesses, business retention and assistance. Eric as well as several others in the area have began to organize a Chamber of Commerce for Calhoun County. She also asked if there were any plans to work with the Dept. of Highways to widen and improve the roadways.

Commissioner Helmick questioned if the Roane Commissioners were doing road work, But Ms. Lupardus clarified that although they didn’t do the work they were very involved in what was going on in their county. Helmick said they do write letters but had very little say in the matter. Ms. Lupardus’ response was it is the letters from Commissioners, officials and citizens that puts the force behind things happening.

Commissioner Matt Walker said that he had spoken to those organizing the Chamber of Commerce and Roane County as well, believing it was a needed organization. He had plans to attend their next meeting by Zoom. He also mentioned that he had spoken to Senator Charles Clements about the road issues that need attention and through his questioning he had discovered that its a lengthy process to get road repairs on the list to be done. He assured that he is working with Shelia Burch, Little Kanawha Area Development Corp to stay active in the business community.

Lupardus stated that another help for the community will be the Broadband project thats happening in Calhoun.

Melissa O’Brian, Client & Community Development at Thompson & Litton addressed the Commission about the broadband project requesting an Resolution and MOU for the areas of coverage. She presented a list showing the coverage at the beginning of the project when Calhoun had committed to the investment of $500,000 and then the additional coverage following the Commission’s additional $700,000 contribution of ARPA funding making Calhoun’s contribution 1.2 Million dollars. An amount which is the highest contribution of money toward this project in the State of West Virginia.

Below are the areas, mileage and number of homes served before and after additional funding.

Ms. O’Brien stated that none of these projects have been confirmed, but rather Calhoun is still in the application process. More information could be forthcoming the latter part of June, 2022.

Julie Sears addressed the County Commission regarding Calhoun EMS and Calhoun 911. She wanted the understanding of the county with regards to the separate funding sources between EMS and 911. EMS is covered by Private and Insurance billing as well as the Levy which failed to pass for the 2023 fiscal year beginning next in June of 2023.

911 is covered via Phone fees and Cell phone fees as well as other sources, all of which is a considerable sum of money which the amount will be requested later by Ridgeview News.

Ms. Sears further stated that the questions having been raised regarding the lack of availability of EMS for runs was due to an emergency situation with a crew member requiring surgery. When asked why the 911 dispatch was not advised she informed that ”one” of those on duty had been informed, but evidently did not inform the dispatcher who dispatched an emergency run without that knowledge.

Ridgeview News had brought up that point as well as additional runs that went unanswered to which the response was that Ms. Sears was aware, and that there was additional information we were not aware of.

When addressing the failure of the Emergency Services Levy, Ms. Sears stated that she thought it would pass because it was not a new levy but a renewal so she did not publicize it as she should. When she was informed that lives depended on the EMS’ coverage, Commissioner Helmick stated that lives also depended on the Fire Departments. It should be noted, that although funds are received from the levy for the operation of the Fire Departments, it is a much smaller percentage and no pay is awarded to it’s members. Fire Fighters have donated thousands of dollars from their own pockets toward gas and vehicle expense to cover the county without compensation, this cannot be said about EMS.

The Commission plans to put the Levy back on the ballot in the fall with greater clarity and publicity on the importance of this levy.

Other Special Guests invited by Jean Simers was the Deputy Director from the WV State Auditors Office Ora Ash and Tiffany Hess. Mr. Ash addressed the meeting regarding the questioning of the recent county audit, and the failure of separation of duties that offices were written up for in the audits. Due to the low staffing, Mr. Ash said that it would be impossible for small counties to be in the requested compliance. He further said that the offices in question had done what was necessary as required by the law.

The Calhoun County Planning Commission had a resignation of Julie Sears as a member of the board and the appointment of four new members: M.G. Gainer, Crystal Mersh, Robert Petrovsky and Scottie Westfall. There is still one additional opening that is need of appointment. Anyone interested can send a letter of request to the Calhoun County Commission for consideration.