Calhoun’s Citizens for Accountability met at the Calhoun County Courthouse on Tuesday with evening three items on their agenda for discussion.
- The Calhoun County Sheriff Appointment standards
- Calhoun County Middle School Curriculum
- Unfair practices in treatment of employees in the Courthouse
The Calhoun County Commission will meet this afternoon to proceed with the removal of Sheriff Warren Basnett. Because of their limited agenda, no other action can be taken on the appointment of a permanent replacement for Basnett, but it is said that a temporary 30 day Sheriff will be appointed this afternoon. It is concerning that the question has been brought to the Citizens for accountability about the possibility of conversations between Commissioners taking place outside the permitted open government meeting policy. It was noted at several earlier commission meetings that it appeared that decisions were already made prior to the scheduled Commission meeting due to no discussion happening during the actual meeting.
Sheriff Warren Basnett attended the meeting to discuss the Citizens concerns for why there is such a lack budget funds for the Sheriffs Department. Eric Lupardus ask Sheriff Basnett if at any point the Calhoun County Commission met with him to discuss his budget or ask any questions regarding what was needed. He responded that at no time did the Commission question what was needed in his budget.
The amount budgeted for public safety 2023/24 is:
- Sheriff – Law Enforcement – $79,100
- Sheriff – Service of Process -$2,216
- Regional Jail -$500,000
- Home Confinement – $37,593
- Emergency Services – $478,000 –
- Communication Center – $1,420
- Dog Warden/Humane Society – $1,145
- Flood Control – $1,420
The Sheriff’s salary and tax office is in a separate budget fund. It is interesting to note that the budget for law enforcement at the beginning of each budget year changed very little over the past several years. However, the amount spent prior to Warren Basnett becoming Sheriff was far more. Likely having to do with the lack of Deputies during Warren’s tenure. Another topic of discussion which could possibly be because there were very few advertisements placed in an attempt to get Deputies. Also service of process was drastically reduced from as high as $18,000 to now a meager $2,216. The lowest amount budgeted in the past 4 years was $13,759 in 2022/23.
As for Process Service there was a long discussion last night with regards to Jerry Howell, Process Server, Court Bailiff, and Inmate Transporter. All of which he has a contract that was made during the term of Jeffrey Starcher. A contract that states clearly he can provide those services for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s office. What is not known by most people outside of the system is that Jerry Howell works as a Reserve Officer (meaning free of charge) for his Bailiff duties. Usually in the neighborhood of 20+ hours a week. His service of process duties which he is paid for, provides up to 19 hours weekly of pay, usually more in the 6 hours per week of pay range. Jerry then works a Security Guard job in Bell, WV on the weekend, two twelve hours shifts to provide an income for his family. When providing transports he is not permitted to be armed because he has not been allowed to go get the proper training. He was trained for bailiff along with Cody Parsons. Both traveled out of county for an overnight stay for the training with the hotel expenses paid for by County funds. However, only Cody Parsons was paid for his training time. Jerry was informed he didn’t qualify. Why would he not have qualified? He was approved to be a bailiff and has a signed contract stating that it is part of his duties.
Whether or not the Sheriff is under scrutiny now, doesn’t disqualify the actions of the County Commission and the County Clerk to be looked at for inappropriate if not exploitation of staff. As for the budgeting issues the new Sheriff is going to have to contend with that matter straight away. The fact that Warren Basnett had to fight for two years to obtain vehicles for his department, was questioned at every turn and had money and staffing abilities removed from his budget (when the levy was changed) without so much as an email advising it, shows a County Commission that has stepped outside the bounds of their duties and should be called out in the same manner Basnett was.
Prior Years Budgets:
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Law Enforcement and Emergency Services are the life blood of our community. When troubles arise those departments are depended upon for the health and safety of all citizens. We currently have no 911 director. A position in charge of the organization of all emergency agencies during a disaster. The Calhoun EMS is still in a questionable stage as to what it’s future looks like, we have no Sheriff or deputies. The West Virginia State Police are stretched thin and actions on all the above need taken quickly but responsibly. Every action of the Commission and their committees needs scrutinized due to their failure to have proper staff, budget, accountability and transparency in place.
Additional stories to come on a new approach to teaching at Calhoun Middle School, more Covid Money questions, More budget questions and “What’s happening to the broadband project and more importantly, money.
