The Calhoun County Commission met for their May 12th, 2025 meeting in the Little Courtroom of the Calhoun County Courthouse. Commission President Craig Arthur, Commissioner Jacob McCumbers and Commissioner Eric Lupardus were present present as well as County Clerk Jean Simers and County Administrator Jennifer Randolph.
Executive Director, Kara Hughes, of the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments spoke by phone to the Commission regarding the investment of Calhoun County funds. According to their website (wvbti.org) the Board of Treasury Investments (BTI),helps to manage the ups and downs of market cycles by providing ultra-safe investment options, accessibility and the opportunity for a competitive return.
The Legislature created the Board of Treasury Investments in 2005. Since then, the BTI has exemplified outstanding financial management of the state’s short-term operating funds. Year after year, the BTI has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. In addition, the Board’s two money market pools are AAAm-rated by Standard and Poor’s. This highest-possible rating is a top distinction for a money market pool and validates the safety and soundness of our investments.
After some discussion the Commissioners determined to wait until they received information from Ms. Hughes to determine if they would invest. There is no minimum investment but the the WVBTI prefer at least $100.00 be kept in the account.
The Commission then held their public hearings for the two pending ordinances, that of a Dilapidated Structure Ordinance and a Salvage Yard Ordinance. Ed Lotte, spoke first regarding his concerns for the ordinances stating that “One of the things WV offers is autonomy” (self governing). Lott’s concern was that the ordinances would become as HOA’s (Home Owners Associations), tightly governing the ability of what could be done on one’s own property. He further said “If it’s about public safety and structure that would be fine” However he had read that it’s for curb appeal. Citing that he didn’t want it to get to the point that someone comes to your house and measures your grass. “Nobody is protected through the ordinance but everyone is protected through WV law,” he said and recommended that the county have their attorney look at it.
As for the Salvage Yard Ordinance, Mr. Lott was concerned that there was a misunderstanding of what an auto grave yard is in comparison to a collection of vehicles, which is a right of the citizens. The Commission assured Mr. Lotte that they would take all of his concerns into consideration.
Minutes were approved for the meeting of April. 11, 15, 21, 28 and May 7th, 2025.
Crystal Mersh provided the Commission and update on the recent events regarding the American Medicine Companies time in Washington DC. Mrs. Mersh said that the two recent Executive Orders issued by Donald Trump on Monday setting a 30-day deadline for drugmakers to electively lower the cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. or face new limits down the road over what the government will pay. The order calls on the health department, led by Robert Kennedy Jr. to broker new price tags for drugs over the next month. If deals are not reached, Kennedy will be tasked with developing a new rule that ties the price the U.S. pays for medications to lower prices paid by other countries.
“The AMC team, is uniquely positioned to help for which they’ve been asked by Health and Human Services in Washington D.C. “The time is right for this,” Mersh said. She requested letters of support from the Commission to encourage West Virginia government leaders to take action on seeing the American Medicine Companies plan through to fruition of being built in West Virginia and preferably Calhoun County. Recently Mississippi, Georgia and New Mexico entered the race for U.S. funding of American Manufacturing of prescriptions.
Ed Lotte questioned what Calhoun had to offer for which Crystal Mersh responded “They are impressed with our workforce.” Mrs. Mersh encouraged the Commission to consider tax benefit plans to encourage small businesses to locate in Calhoun County and larger business later.
Commissioner Eric Lupardus stated that we (Calhoun County) are making great strides on the economic front, much of which is being made possible by the FENiX organization which have been meeting to make sure Calhoun is a player in the future of West Virginia.
Tina Persinger, Director of the Calhoun FRN addressed the Commission and provided updates of many of her current projects:
- Their social media presence has reached an estimated 16,744 people with prevention messages.
- Their food panty has served 998 individuals and distributed enough food for 2,495 meals.
- the FRN Baby family assisted 10 families with 500 diapers, 300 wipes and 5 units of formula.
- Seven families were connected with outside organizations for additional support.
- Parent Resource Navigator (PRN) assisted 15 families.
- There were 2 participants receiving support in thee Smart Recovery program.
- Five families are currently enrolled in training.
- Calhoun FRN hosted Darkness to Light and ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) trainings in partnership with Wirt FRN training 9 individuals.
- A successful meeting with the Regional Recovery Team, Calhoun County Commissioners and Joshua Baker, was held focusing on affordable and recovery friendly housing initiatives.
- The Mobile Food Pantry partnered with Mountaineer Food bank providing food to 225 families.
- Pinwheel gardens were planted throughout Grantsville to raise awareness for Child Abuse prevention.
- A coloring contest was held with two winners: Henry Barnhart and Serenity Kirby.
- Four hundred child abuse prevention cinch bags filled with coloring books, resources, and Easter goodies were provided to the Elementary students as well as cupcakes and juice boxes to celebrate.
- A new program as been initiated: Mothers N Babies offers free items to guardians with children under 2 and are hoping to grow from the seven families they are now serving.
- Future events include, Scholarship committee meetings, Summer fun resource fair, and an Adult Prom.
Administrator Jennifer Randolph updated on the logo contest saying that the word had been sent to the schools, but they have yet to receive any contestant designs. The deadline is June 1st.
Mt. Zion psd – the sewer plant has an outstanding bill they’re requesting funding assistance for. Issues with the sewer plant – dep report was very bad, missing grates on the sewer. Didn’t know they were missing, new blower installation, electric panel replacement, working on grants, mark sankoff said it was years down the road. Have asked to get a rate increase, called PSC for emergency funding and did not qualify. \
Robin Hughes, member of the Mt. Zion PSD appeared before the Commission to request $16,904 dollars for issues with their Sewer Plant. The issues where found by a DEP inspection which discovered that two grates used at the sewer plant were vertically gone placing the operator at extreme risk. Repairs had not been done on the plant for several years causing this and other areas of neglect to become hazardous. The Commissioners approved $16,904 for repairs.
Mrs. Hughes also wanted the public to know that the Mt. Zion PSD was aware of some issues with high bills. This was due to the meters being estimated for a considerable time and then once the meter was actually read the numbers were high. The PSD is in the process of putting in new meters which will remedy the false reading issues but may also give a higher more accurate read than customers are use to.
Eric Lupards said that he believed the County’s water issues were going in the correct direction.
Crystal Mersh offered to help her connect the Mt. Zion PSD with some additional funding very quickly.
Sheriff Graham Knight reported that his department had supervised 32 hours of community service work through Calhoun Magistratee Court and had taken 121 calls during the month of April. The Sheriff’s office continues to have problems with their computer system and the inability to provide reporting due to the software company and an antiquated DOS system that is not always operational.
Kelli Barr, OES and 911 director reported the number of calls for each agency through dispatch and informed the Commission that she is currently doing some reconfiguring at their station. The CAD system will be upgraded and Roane County will assist during that time to prevent disruptions in dispatching on Thursday, May 10th, 2025
Donnie Pitts, Calhoun County Park Board President reported disappointment in the number of people who turned out for the annual Kite Day, but pleased with the overall use of the park. The Resent Star Party had 30-35 people attending and 24 youth registered for the Youth Fishing Day, all catching fish and winning prizes donated by FRN, HOPE Gas, Minnie Hamilton and Daniel Smith, owner of the Burnsville Dock. Five hundred pounds of trout were donated by the County Commission, 20 of which was tagged and 4 of those were caught and awarded prizes.
Saturday, May 15th the Eastern Star are sponsoring a Car Show at the Calhoun County Parks.
Mr. Pitts and Commissioner Lupardus have been speaking with Jerry Bain of The Overlanders, a group who travels by land, particularly over long distances and in remote areas which often involves off-roading and camping about creating a special area at the County Park dedicated for Overlanders stays. Mr. Pitts said that it’s exciting because it will be the first place in the United States that is dedicated to the overlanders. They can spend the night and organize tours. The area will be available for anyone termed an Overlander. This will be a great opportunity and needs to be moved on quickly they said.
The park trails have had recent visitors and groups from in and out of the area. Those trails will soon be used by the Cross Country students preparing for their fall meet at the Park.
The Disc golf has been getting attention but still needs the Tee’s put in place. Mr. Pitts said that those who have played the course have been extremely complimentary of the course and it’s difficulty level.
Minnie Hamilton Health Systems requested funding from the Opioid funds in the amount of $39,000 to purchase LUCAS devices as well as 4 glide scopes for the emergency Trucks. Commissioner Craig Arthur said “One life lost is too many,” believing the investment to be worth it it. The matter was approved all three commissioners.
Jason Wilson reported as well that the Minnie Hamilton EMS will operated at a 405,000 deficit this year.
A $5,000 grant with a 5,000 match for a litter control officer was approved for application.
