The Calhoun County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 10th, 2026. The first to speak under delegations was Crystal Mersh, President of the 1982 Foundation. Mrs. Mersh provided an update to the Commission on the current status of construction of the multi level projects on the Avalon Campus, formerly Calhoun County High School. While many of the projects are nearing completion, others are still incomplete but close! On the first weekend in October Avalon will be hosting their Grand Opening event with the actual businesses opening shortly thereafter. The Grand Opening will include an open house of the facilities showing the community what has been accomplished with the 15 millstone private investment made. Mrs. Mersh told the Commission that “The community has been so supportive,” she thanked the commission and all who helped.
The second topic that Mrs. Mersh spoken to was regarding the White Oak Compressor Station, and requested a formal investigation of how the assessed values on the Station were done.
Explaining that her interest began when she had asked questions in 2022 about the revenue. She was told that it was impossible to understand, she was given an approximation of one million dollars. After Early a Calhoun County Commission candidate put on facebook that “she would allow the gas company to pay more tax and thus decreasing personal property,” Mrs. Mersh began to wonder if the proceeds from Compressor Station may have been more than was originally when she inquired and caused her to wonder if there was more to understand about tax opportunity from the compressor station. She then reached out to Assessor Jason and received a response that the answer should come through the State of West Virginia. Further questioning did not provide the answers she needed. Mrs. Mersh requested that the Commission look into the funding, proceeds and capitol depreciation of the White Oak Compressor Station and report of their findings
Commissioner Eric Lupardus said that it was very interesting and believed that the Commission’s job was to take a look at it, get as many records as possible from Assessor Nettles and they’ll provide the information to the Auditor’s office, requesting an investigation as to whether all the funds are where they should be. Commissioner Lupardus stated that he appreciated Crystal’s work on putting the information together.
Ridgeview News Publisher, Shari Johnson questioned the Commission as to whether or not the Public Service District’s will be restructured without the Town of Grantsville. Commissioner Lupardus informed that the Commission can consolidate the two boards and the bonds can transfer making it a much simpler project that the O&M Agreement involving the Town. He also stated that he is for consolidation rather than entering into an O&M with the City of Grantsville. The Commissioners have met with their attorney and are working to move forward the consolication as soon as the O&M is handled by the WV PSC and is a closed matter.
Larry Whited said in regards to the Compressor Station that “This is a 165 mile pipe line, with three compressor stations: one in Doddridge, Calhoun and Jackson Counties. Jackson county station is identical to Calhoun. Ritchie County’s is lower because they only have pipeline. The Jackson and Doddridge County Stations follow each other closely.
Commissioner Lupardus requested that it be placed as a future agenda topic or special agenda to address it. Both Commissioner’s Craig Arthur and Lee Rush agreed.
Review and approval of previous minutes were made by a motion by Commissioner Lupardus, second by Commissioner Rush with all in favor.
On the agenda was opening bids for the renovation of the County Clerk’s office with “no bids” being received. The project has been postponed.
The Upper West Fork Community Park made a Commission request for $10,000 to be used for tables, chairs and kitchen equipment. At a previous Commission meeting $28,000 had been awarded to the park and the decision was made that the funding should come from that allotment of funding.
Office of Emergency Services Administrator Kelli Barr provided the number of calls made by emergency services and requested a system refresh software update. Tanner communication would work along with Zetron on the installation. When Commissioner Lupardus asked if a bid had been placed for the purchase, Mrs. Barr stated that the $221,000.00 amount is for an installation by Zetron which provides integrated public safety dispatch systems and software. Tanner Communications would work along side Zetron on the installation.
Ridgeview News questioned whether or not the Tanner Communication assistance had been put out for bid, which it had not. The commission requested that the matter be put out for bid by legal advertisements. Although the amount of $221,000.00 was mentioned for cost of the update, there was no mention as to the portions for installation and Zetron.
Under Commission updates the Commission noted that they had attended the West Virginia State Auditors meeting which was for County Commissioners. The meeting was said to be very informative and allowed the Commissioners to take concerns to them and receive assistance as well as have conversations about fraud and the issues in rural areas. The Calhoun Commission recommended the Auditor’s office take a look at Calhoun at their will.
Under Resignations to boards and authorities the County Commission accepted the resignation of recently appointed Mt. Zion PSD Board Member, Dana Godfrey. There was recommendations for his replacement but it will be added to next agenda. Anyone in the area of the Mt. Zion PSD who is interested in becoming a board member is requested to reach out to the Commission’s office and speak Mrs. Jennifer Randoloph.
A discussion on the comprehensive update on the county waters systems was had in relation to the apparent destabilization of the County’s water systems. With the O&M agreement being possibly disolved and the two PSD’S interested in combining the matter can’t be dealt with until the O&M is under way.
- As for the Norman Ridge project progress a court date has been set for the 20th of August to proceed with the imminent domain. One customer was holding 70 customers up from the line proceeding.
- The Upper west fork project is moving forward with a line extension to Clay County.
- Mt. Zion is looking to replace the Millstone water line due to the line being laid on bedrock as well as the current leak at the Y. The Commission is looking for the Public Service District’s to take the reigns on proceeding with water company issues.
- Ridgeview News asked the Commission if there was any concern over the safety of the community, the possibility of danger for an immune compromised community, and bringing more people to the table. The Mt. Zion PSD is still out of compliance and failing to meet required state guidelines for Testing. The Commission needs to insure that the proper staffing is being done as well as bring health and DEP officials to the table when creating boards.
Commissioner Rush abruptly left the Commission meeting without comment due to a health situation requiring him to be taken to the hospital. He was later discharged and sent home.
The next Calhoun County Commission meeting is Monday, August 24th at 5 p.m.
