At the July 28th meeting of the Calhoun County Commissioners, they have made a commitment to change the fiscal forecast of Calhoun County back to “Sunny Cal” by not keeping to the way of “business as usual.” Forever, companies such as Frontier Communications have had the market cornered on phone service. For the Courthouse offices, that meant individual phone lines, a separate bill for each office, and very limited internet service at a cost of $2,400 each month. But it’s a new day.
Under delegations Manager Larry Casey, of Advanced Communications Company appeared before the Commission to propose putting in a phone system in the courthouse to replace the stand alone system in each office. Mr. Casey told the Commission that the current state of the wiring in the Courthouse is “a mess.” Therefore a new system will require two quotes; one for the replacement of the wiring, and the second quote for the installation of the phone system. An estimated cost for the system would be approximately $7,000; but even so, Mr. Casey believed it would pay for itself in savings. The new phone system would have 23 channels, allowing each office to receive multiple calls, and transfer calls between offices, as well as speak to each office through an intercom system. The monthly cost would be $700 compared to Frontier’s now $2,400.
It was voted and agreed upon by the commission that the system would be put out for bid and consideration for two weeks and be placed on the agenda again.
Also speaking under delegations was Jackie Allen who requested an update on her previous questions regarding the hiring of Jennifer Randolph as County Administrator. Ms. Allen stated that she had heard that Randolph had already received a $10,000 pay raise from the Commission. A matter denied by the Commission. Commissioner Craig Arthur stated that it was not a raise but was budgeted and unanimously approved by all three commissioners during the 3 budget meetings and again in an open meeting in April when the Commission approved the budget for the 25/26 fiscal year
Commissioner Lupardus defended the Commissions decision for the hiring of Jennifer Randolph by stating that 45 out of 55 counties had hired an Administrator, and that Mrs. Randolph’s salary was within the top 20. He further defended her employment through the evidence of her accomplishments in only 4 months since her hire. Through her efforts grant funding has been received of $50,000, an additional $100,000 has been made from an interest bearing account that Mrs. Randolph suggested Calhoun’s finances be transferred to, and it was her idea and contact with Advanced Communications that will be saving Calhoun County $21,000 per year on phone service fees. Currently Calhoun County is awaiting answers on $750,000 of grant funding that Mrs. Randolph has applied for making one believe she has already more than justified her salary of $60,000. The average County Administrator Salary in West Virginia is $70,000 with some going above $100,000.
Ms. Allen’s second update request was on the hiring of an additional County Attorney, rather than using the Calhoun Prosecutor, Michael Hicks who is paid nearly $100,000. Her concern was that Mr. Hicks could have done what the county now pays Attorneys Kevin Harris and Eric Holmes to do.
Attorney Harris appeared, answering Ms. Allen’s question. Attorney Harris stated that for the last quarter, their firm’s billing charges have been $6,400. Those fees covered work done on Dilapidated Structure and Junk Yard Ordinances, as well as what he referred to as matters that had been left unattended for many years such as a decades old hand book and a current Live stock case. Harris assured Ms. Allen and the Commission that his law firm had charged the minimum fees to keep costs down and believed it was necessary to remove work from the Prosecutor’s desk that is often covered with abuse, neglect and criminal matters.
The Commission gave a certificate of honor for Fred Waybright who recently retired from Calhoun 911. Waybright, who had served as a dispatcher for 29 1/2 years was not present, so the certificate was accepted by Kelli Barr, OES/911 Director.
Crystal Mersh provided the Commission an update on the American Medicine Companies efforts to bring the manufacturing of many popular generic medications back to the United States, specifically to Calhoun County. Mrs. Mersh stated that after a meeting with the Fenix, Inc. team, it was believed that all the boxes were checked for it to happen with the exception of workforce and housing. Both of which she believes will fall into place when an announcement is made for funding approval. On the State level a proposal has been submitted and they now need an appointment with Governor Patrick Morrisey to press forward. The risk continues to be an issue for the lack of availability of both generic and high end medications. AstraZeneca is coming back to United States manufacturing which is the beginning of hopefully many more to follow.
“There are two “bites” of funding,” Mersh explained, telling the commission that it’s a matter of timing for AMC to receive Federal funding from either the 2026/2027 federal budget or from an additional $70 million in funding that was added to the “Big Beautiful Bill” by President Trump for a non-specific reason.
The second State under consideration by AMC to receive a manufacturing facility is New Mexico.
Mersh closed by saying “100 years ago Calhoun county had confidence. They knew they were changing the lives of generations to come. We’re at that point again and
I’m proud to be a part of it. The way everyone is now working together. Keep asking the questions,” she said. “
Two architectural services submitted bids to the Calhoun County Courthouse for resolving the water issues on the first floor and the installation of an elevator:
- Pickering Associates
- Thrasher
Upon reviewing the previous evidence of work the Commission was unanimous in their selection of Thrasher. Commissioner Arthur noted that both businesses had a long scope and range of work history and had done several local jobs.
The Commissioners decided that, following the Upper West Fork Park building destruction from fire, the Arnoldsburg Community Park would likely be hosting more children for their annual Halloween event which will include bounce houses, activities and candy. Commissioner Eric Lupardus suggested that the Commission make an $800 donation to the Arnoldsburg Park to help with the additional costs of inflatables and additional children. Commissioner McCumbers suggested that the donation be changed to $1,000, at which time Lupardus revised his motion for $1,000.00.
Attorney Harris informed the Commission that he too would like to donate $500 to the Arnoldsburg event which was greatly appreciated. The motion passed unanimously.
Board Treasurer of the Upper West Fork Park, Anita West, announced that there will be a car show and live music at the park on August 23rd, 2025. Since the f ire the park h as had electric run to the restrooms and will use the outdoor area until the building is rebuilt. Ms. West said that she will be meeting with the insurance adjuster very soon to determine the amount of money the Park Board will receive for replacement.
Calhoun FRN requested permission to place yard signs on the Courthouse Lawn in celebration and awareness of Recovery Month in September. The Commission agreed and passed the motion. Commissioner Arthur suggested that the community get behind the event and support the FRN and the Events at the Avalon and 1982 Foundation on September 6th.
The Commission agreed to allow legal counsel to vote and accept the Purdue Pharma and Sackler proposed settlement for West Virginia for which $53 Million dollars will be divided between 55 West Virginia counties and Nationally another $712 million will be divided between the States.
The Commission unanimously approved the Software request for othe office of Sheriff Graham Knight for up to $3,500 annually.
Under Legal Issues a rent complaint was filled on the attack of a citizens livestock by an unknown animal was filed. Attorney Harris advised the Commission to appoint a three person board to make determinations regarding livestock complaints, that are not taken care of in Magistrate court. The reason of that would be the animal attacking would not be known.
All three Water Companies filed statements of expenditures paid for with ARPA funding that will be discussed at the the next O&M Meeting.
Mt. Zion PSD has a balance of $337,350.00 in ARPA funding, The Town of Grantsville has spent the majority of their O&M money, purchasing the Burkett Building in the Industrial Park and Pleasant Hill PSD has a balance offering $292,224.67
Jennifer Randolph was appointed to the Calhoun/Roane LEPC.
Two applications were received for the advertised positions of Litter Control Officer. Sheriff Knight is considering combining that position with another in his office and the two candidates will be interviewed on Friday, August 1st at 5:00 p.m.
The meeting was dismissed for executive session and the consideration of an employee grievance. No action was taken. And the meeting was adjourned. The next Calhoun Commission meeting will be August 12th, 2025 at 5 p.m.
