The Calhoun County Commission met Monday evening, August 24th, 2026 at 5 p.m. with all three Commissioners present, President Eric Lupardus, Commissioner Craig Arthur and Commissioner Lee Rush.
Under Unfinished business the Commission opened the sole bid for the construction of a 40x80x12 building at the Calhoun County Park. The bid from T&B Contracting came in at $128,022.00 to construct the steel building which does not include finishing the inside. Commissioner Rush made a motion to accept the bid amount, Commissioner Arthur seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Under discussion Commissioner Rush spoke to the benefit and the excitement around the new building from citizens.
Also under unfinished businesses was the discussion as to the reallocation of ARPA funds for local Public Service Districts (PSDs). The Tri-Agency O&M has submitted agreement to be dissolved. Grantsville has returned their portion of the ARPA funding. The remaining balance of funding which must be spent by the end of 2026 is $570,000. Commissioners Lupardus suggested using the funds for known water leaks and violations as well as any outstanding debts by the PSDs . Commissioner Arthur cautioned that any money used for debt relief, must be spent on bills that have been incurred after the ARPA was released. Arthur also mentioned the ARPA funded trucks, which Commissioner Lupardus said were being returned to the County.
In relation to the $570,000 of remaining ARPA funds, Commissioner Lupardus noted that other agencies had submitted applications for ARPA funds and that it would be very beneficial to use those monies to correct issues within the water system. Commissioner Arthur stated that some of the issues mentioned are a good use of funds, as well as possibly purchasing new pumps for both PSDs, and was then reminded that the Commission had already used funds for one pump. The recommendation is to fix leaks, safety concerns, ensure PSD’s are up to code and pay the bills owed to the unities such as the Town of Grantsville.
Both the Mt. Zion and Pleasant Hill PSD have contacted the WV Rural Water to aid in becoming compliant.
§ EL said that the CCC has already used county funds for one pump Fix leaks, safety concerns, ensure PSDs are up to code, pay the bills owed toentities like the Town of Grantsville.EL mentioned that both PSDs have now contracted with Rural Water and is hopeful that will aid them in being more compliant. Commissioner Arthur suggested that the PSD’s order the parts and begin working on compliance and potentially contract out. Commissioner Lupardus mentioned that the PSD’s need to ensure staff safety by renting equipment needed. A motion was made by Craig Arthur and seconded by Lee Rush to use the currently allotted ARPA funding to fix violations, update equipment and use the appropriate measures to restore water service to the community. The motion was unanimously approved.
Deidre Purdy, of the Upper West Fork Park spoke to the Commison regarding the contract with Steve Kiner of “Start to Finish Construction,” to negotiate the insurance payout of $445,000.00 for their community building loss to fire. The initial offer was over $500,000. Commissioners Lupardus and Rush attended a meeting following the $500K quote and informed the park board that the Commission could possibly help if the park would put the building out to bid. This series of events lead to a breach of contract letter from Steve Kiner who served the park with a complaint last July.
Deirdre Purdy, who is a retired Attorney, is willing to do the leg work if they can find an attorney to represent them. A conversation has been held with Harris and Holmes, the County’s attorneys. Also mentioned was the need to add a negligence claim to the complaint to allow for the insurance company to pick up any payments. Mrs. Purdy requested for the Commission to cover any legal expenses until a decision is reached by the insurance company. A motion was made by Commissioner Lupardus, Seconded by Commissioner Rush and passed unanimously.
Under discussion Commissioner Lupardus stated that he was disgusted with the contractor (Start to Finish Construction) and hoped that it would be “blasted on Ridgeview.” He further stated that the contractor had been harassing the park just after that their building had burned.
Under the subject of New business a request was made by County Administrator Jennifer Randolph to Consider reimbursement to correct a tax error by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department. Property was purchased from a delinquent tax sale and the refund was sent to the wrong individuals. The money may or may not be very difficult to get back. Sheriff Knight cannot use current tax monies to reimburse them. The amount of $5062.00 was to be paid from general county contributions upon a motion by Commissioner Lupardus, Second by Commissioner Arthur and the motion passing unanimously.
In the matter of Public Utilities tax collection, Administrator Randolph presented that everything was done according to code.
In consideration of the disposal of an Office of Emergency Management, Kelli Barr, Director, would like to move forward with either public or online auction, redeployment, courthouse auction, or other facilities, to potentially use them as trade-in on the Jeep Compass and Chevrolet Suburban. Mrs. Barr wanted to go with the quickest option. Commissioner Arthur suggested using the government surplus auction. Commissioner Eric Lupardus made a motion to dispose of the vehicles in any legal means necessary at Kelli Barr’s discretion. A second was made by Craig Arthur and the motion passed unanimously.
The Commission discussed the consideration of using the Marketing and Developing budget which has $46,000 remaining. According to the commission they are looking to constantly market places like Avalon and other events and small businesses in the county. Commissioner Rush agreed and Commissioner Arthur questioned if the marketing bills would be sent to the Commission. Commissioner Lupardus suggested setting a budget for the grand opening of Avalon and advertising in Charleston and Parkersburg in the amount of $3,500. Commissioner Rush made a motion for $3500 to market for Avalon, a second came from Commissioner Lupardus with a 3-0 vote of approval. .
The Commissioners approved that six members of the Calhoun County Wood Festival attend the State Fairs and Festival Conference with $750.00 allowances of expenditures for the event. Commissioner Lupardus also said that he would contact the WV Molasses Festival Committee as well.
Under Reports, Litter Control reported that 30 bags total had been collected weighing 6120 lbs. (just over 3 tons). The number of tires collected was 519. Litter Control as been working on Rush Run off Sassafras Road and White Pine Road.
Sept 19, 2026 is Tread lightly day for which the Commission encourages the community to attend and help clean up. Commissioner Lupardus suggested that litter control put out dates and locations when community members can potentially help
Mr. Hall suggested that community members call for no dumping signs to place on property by calling 304-354-0618
During Commissioner Updates Commissioner Lupardus announced that the Little Kanawha Area Development Authority would be meeting on June 25th to discuss board members and a new Economic Development Director.
Commissioner Lupardus has been going to Charleston to begin working on finding funding for water projects and that the trips to Charleston “aren’t for nothing,” he said. “They are making substantial progress and making important connections. Water projects are a key focus for the Calhoun County Commission and they do not plan to let up. He has also been working to create a disaster app to use in the event of an emergency.
Commission Arthur hopes to hear from the connections he made from the Commission Association and Fiduciary Commissioner and hopes to have an announcement soon.
Dana Godfrey’s Resignation was accepted by the Commission as board member for the Mt. Zion PSD and Pleasant Hill PSD has an opening for another Board Member for which Commissioner Arthur made a motion for Jason Cunningham for the position which each seconded by Lee Rush.
A grant was received for new garage doors to be installed at the Cabot Station Recycling center. Two bids were received:
- Garage door Opperators INC $23,733.93
- Stepp N Sons – $20450.00
Wills, bonds, Settlements and Estates were accepted as presented.
Financial Approval of invoices presented for payment passed unanimously.
Budget Revision requests approved:
- Jennifer Randolph is still waiting on the two previous revisions submitted.
- Transferring $600.00 from Commission Budget to Audit to Dues.
- Budget account 700 has to readjust from incorrect retirement line to correct line
A Letter to move $200,000 from General CD to General Fund was presented and rescinded.
Commissioner Arthur requested the next Commission meeting time be changed to 9:30 a.m. to accommodate his teaching planning period.
Meeting adjourned.
If you search the archives, it was August 25, 2025 when I asked the Commission about utilizing these funds. I was accused of quote “Shit talking behind the back of the Town of Grantsville” by the mayor. But imagine that. A year of lost progress on the water system that is already years behind on maintaining standards, safety and quality to its customers. I won’t say I told you so, but I just did. Thank You to the Commission for finally releasing these funds where they are needed. And where they were supposed to be used. Water issues. Now hopefully they are used properly on the system to benefit the customers. I can only imagine how much less you will get now compared to a year ago. In the water industry, we have seen pricing increases on materials from 2 to 15 percent multiple times since last year, so you still won’t get the bang for your buck you could have, but what do I know. Between the Town calling me a shit talker and the PSD saying that my letters were a waste of time, good luck. With continued staffing issues, I can see most of the repairs being subcontracted out because of the management issues that have driven away the workforce. But they call that progress now apparently.