Grantsville Town Council Meeting Brings Consolidation Consideration and Many, Many Questions

The Town of Grantsville Council held their May meeting on Wednesday, May 8th at 6 p.m. in the City Office. Another well attended meeting by a concerned community about what the effect of the town decision makers will be on the not only town residents but those in outlying areas effected by both the consolidation and the 1% sales tax proposed and on it’s second reading of the proposed ordinance. 

As the meeting began the Mayor outlined what his vision of a “welcomed” consolidation plan would look like for the entities involved and then being governed by the Calhoun County Commission. 

The Mayor stated that he believed it would be in the best interest of all concerned if the three water systems, The Town of Grantsville, Mt. Zion PSD and Pleasant Hill PSD would consolidate as one organization governed by one board. The wholesale resale of water would no longer be the case, as the new board would take over billing from a central location for all three systems with rates remaining the same for each district. He believed that one additional employee to his staff would cover the billing. 

The greater concern of the debt service requirements, which are multiple USDA loan incurred by each agency, would be paid from a joint account as well as all other business expenses. Only one annual audit would be required saving thousands of dollars each year that the PSD’s are mandated by the State to pay. 

The Mayor somewhat go the cart before the horse suggesting any of these thins could be determined before a board for those decisions were put into place.

County Commissioner Roger Propst attended the Council meeting saying that the “County Commission is working toward the consolidation to keep it local.” It was no secret that the Mayor met with West Virginia American Water on Monday to determine if a buy out would be feasible or desired. The Mayor stated that American Water talked a good game but it likely come with an increase in rates. 

One of the greatest issues on the immediate horizon is the fact that Craig Gherke, Chief Operator and only certified employee will be leaving next week to return to Minnie Hamilton Health Systems. Mayor Petrovsky said that he “had a lead but it wasn’t gone come inexpensively.” A certified operator must be employed to oversee plant operations or the entire system will go on a 24 hour boiled water demand until an operator is hired. 

Roger Propst also added that “We need to get this formulated and get with the WV Virginia Public Service District because there are legal issues that have to be resolved. We’re working together as a community, I want to see more local control than a national company take it over.”

As the crowd became involved there were many unanswerable questions were asked:  rates, staffing, logistics, etc.,  none of which could be answered until the consolidation talk is seriously committed to between the parties who determine how it works, including the State of West Virginia and Attorneys for all parties. 

Crystal Mersh spoke briefly advising the Council that she, with Martha Haymaker, Steve Whited, Shelia Burch, Roger Propst, and Teresa Overton, had a meeting that day with PSC Chairman Charlotte Lane to discuss the county and town water situation.  

On May 3 the PSC advised the town of Grantsville that they had not provided the necessary information to justify the 60% increase.   Subsequently the town withdrew their proposed ordinance citing that they could not afford the accounting fees to meet the requirements for the justification. The Calhoun team shared the broader picture with Ms. Lane who was already familiar with the good things happening in Calhoun’s revitalization. 

Their discussion focused on consolidation.  Ms. Lane was eager to help and indicated that the PSC believed in consolidation.  She seemed very pleased with the teams position, insights and capability to make this happen, recommending a meeting with the key stakeholders and indicated that she would be happy to come to Grantsville 

Charlotte Lane, Shelia Burch, Teresa Overton, Commissioner Roger Propst and and Martha Haymaker are also for the consolidation and for fast track. The commission has ear marked $1 million toward water issues in Calhoun county. 

Mayor Petrovsky said the Town has also put in for additional help from US Congressional funding.  

Only time will tell the end result of what has been an often unforeseeable future for the water companies,  but last night’s Counsel meeting appeared to bring some hope for a finality in the matter. 

The Council meeting continued with no mention of their withdrawal of the proposed rate increase, or what was going to happen with regard to the exit of Craig Gherke. 

Council Committee Reports were given by Cheryl Cheesebrew stating that their was an additional $77.00 raised for the City Park and that a Car and Motorcycle show would be held on June 1st, 2024 with proceeds going to the park.

The Mayor addressed questions about the park pavilion use by the community, saying that there was no charge for the use of it,  but it had to be officially scheduled through Melissa Keener in the main office before it was guaranteed to be available. 

The Mayor also said that there are current plans in the work for the park to possibly host a bi-monthly flea market, build a stage for people to perform at events and possibly a concession stand and movie screen installation. He wanted the park attendees to please pick up after their dogs with the bags provided to keep the lawn safe for children to play in. 

Mike Fleak, Executive Director of the Mid Ohio Valley Regional Council briefly addressed the water and sewer projects of the Town of Grantsville.  He reported that the two projects were managed by the MOVRC where they remain in the design phase by Thrasher Engineering. Thrasher Engineering took over the firm of Dunn Engineering which had been in charge of other recent Grantsville Water Department Projects. Mr. Fleak spoke about the possible need to get the project “fast tracked” and out of the design phase. 

Although Thrasher is a separate company, Fred Hypes, Formerly of Dunn Engineering is still working with the current projects. It has been reported to Ridgeview News that the As-Built plans, which are a requirement at the end of a project such as those in the Town, have not been given to the plant operators from previous construction projects that Dunn Engineering were on.  As-built drawings remain an essential process in a project, especially to maintain a project’s lifecycle after construction has ended.  Despite this, as-builts are often not included, or are only addressed right at the end when an accurate product is far less achievable because of a failure to record changes to the project along the way. The Engineers on these projects gobble up the vast majority of the funding and (in Ridgeview News’ Opinion) is a questionable allowance of unexplainable and unjustifiable expense if they’re dragging their feet and not fulfilling their responsibilities. 

Judy Powell, Town Recorder, presented for approval, a contract with Ben and Dobbins for their annual audits which was approved by council. 

The 1% sales tax that has been proposed by the Council was further discussed by the Mayor saying that the Town has to do something to survive. 

Larry Whited spoke regarding the increase to say that he believed it that even tho he lived out of the city, businesses are going to be negatively effected through their tax collection of the 1%. He understood the need for city revenue, but questioned the effect it would have on a huge part of the community. 

The Mayor noted that even with the second reading being done this night , When the Town approves it, it will then it go to the State for a 6 month discretionary approval and would not come into effect until January 2025 at the earliest.  He recognized Larry’s point, but stated that the Town experiences increases in the same manner as the citizens and they too need a way to cover it. 

The 1% sales tax will not be attached to every purchase in town. Medications, medical bills, food, vehicles, etc. will not be taxed the additional 1%. It is still being questioned as to whether or not Hardman’s Supply, will be adding the tax due to only half of their location being in the City Limits. The warehouse is in the City Limits, but not the actual retail location. 

It was brought up by the Council members that almost every town around Grantsville  has this tax, Mayor Petrovsky said that “We’re short changing our community by not having it. People coming into our town  should have to kick in to help cover cost.” The issue for some however was the fact that the Town continues to neglect giving a justification for the cost, not even having an answer when inquired of how much revenue/loss the town has on a fiscal year basis. This appeared to be the issue with the WVPSC in the rate increase. The City does not have a clear vision of their financial status at any given point regarding any given project. 

Council woman Cheryl Sturms stated “If the town doesn’t do anything it’s going to dry up.” She noted that the loss of the Dollar General Store seems imminent which is going to be devastating to the Northern side of Calhoun County. There is currently a new Dollar General Store being built in Arnoldsburg but is said to have nothing to do with the million dollar profit store in Grantsville’s closure. It occurred because of an irreconcilable renting contract.   

A former resident of Calhoun who was considering the purchase of the Town’s recently closed coffee shop, Jennifer Ashley, told the council that she was “Embarrassed to return an see the current state of Grantsville.” She also stated that she wanted to know that she had the council’s support. 

Mayor Petrovsky responded by saying that the businesses are operating at no cost from the town. There is not a B&O tax that is found in almost every other city. 

This is my theory on the current business climate crisis in Calhoun County that has been the case until the recent changes in administration in a few areas of Government. Calhoun County does not understand the concept of having “company.” Perhaps that’s a West Virginia euphemism, but my Mother knows how to treat visitors. (Company). When they come into her home, they are greeted at the door, offered a cup of coffee and a snack, if not a full course meal and they’re stuffed til they have to be rolled out the door. But not until every ounce of conversation is pumped from their brain and laughter is ringing off the walls. That’s how we roll n the Ridge. 

Calhoun has got to learn how to treat guests when they come into town for the purpose of business. Whether it’s to shop or to actually consider opening a business. Somehow or another the Town of Grantsville has discounted the importance of what’s happening across the river on the Avalon Campus. That’s a huge deal!!!! Drive down and look, it’s like a mini mega city down there and it’s going to be an amazing blessing. The Town Council and Mayor should be over there every day asking how they can help. Not fussing over nonsense or speaking ill of one another. 

In this county, I consider everyone of the people here family. Our government should do the same. 

It was at this point in the meeting that Emily Collins made a motion to approve the 1% sales tax increase and all council members voted in favor.

Another ordinance issue was brought to the table by the Mayor with regard to their delay in appointing a person to fill the vacancy created by loss of Kimberly Sweat from Council a few months ago. The ordinance will now give clarification that any council member can be appointed to the role of Mayor or Recorder after they resign from their position on council. The current vacancy new appointment will be filled on May 28th, 2024 at 6 p.m. following the acceptance of requests for consideration between now and that date. 

Teresa Overton has once again stated that she will be placing her hat in the ring despite the obvious opposition from the Town of Grantsville against her. 

It was considered by the  the council for the purchase of a zero turn mower up to the cost of $3399 that would be used for the Sewer Plant but a hold on the decision was made when it was questioned if multiple price quotes were received. This too will be considered at the May 28th meeting. 

An executive session was entered into at the end of the meeting and a response of what was accomplished during that time was requested without regard by council members.