There’s a current blame game in America that has made its way to Calhoun County or perhaps it was always here, but it certainly seems more prevalent. The Republican’s blame Democrats, the Democrats blame the Republicans, the Independents have jumped ship because they’re tired of the blame but the truth of the matter is “none of this changes the truth.” We have issues.
A non partisan group of County citizens who call themselves “Calhoun Citizens for Accountability” determined to leave the politics to the politicians and start taking care of our community business like a business. Their first meeting was Thursday evening in Little Court Room led by Eric Lupardas, businessman.
With so many current issues in the county, their first order of business was to determine what was the most pressing matters in Calhoun County that needs more transparency and action.
First up was the 355 un-billed runs of Calhoun EMS and the loss of revenue for Calhoun County.
Ridgeview News recently ran a profit and loss statement of Calhoun EMS that was provided by the Director of Calhoun EMS. It was ran with very little commentary believing it spoke for itself. I was then told via a social media comment that the article was disingenuous because it didn’t give the context of those documents. (i.e. the business balance sheet). Because it raised more questions in the community and a concern about the need of levy funding for Calhoun EMS, the article was viewed by some as “controversial.” If Calhoun EMS made a profit, is there still a need for their share of the levy? Yes!!!! A profit is only a profit if there is enough funding to maintain an ambulance service with staff and equipment that can save lives. As a community that should be our first concern, that our people have what they need to save our family’s lives when called. Even with a profit, because of their lack of management, business wasn’t taken care of and lives were at risk. The community group has determined that this is their first matter of concern and will address it at the next Calhoun County Commission meeting on February 13, 2023.
The second matter of discussion and one to be addressed at the next County Commission meeting was the current battle between the Town of Grantsville, Mt. Zion PSD, Pleasant Hill PSD and the government entities of the USDA and WV Department of Environmental Protection. The missing party in this conversation has been the involvement of the Calhoun County Commission. While the County does not have control over the Municipality (Town of Grantsville) and their decisions, the Public Service Districts are another matter. Those boards are appointed and accountable to the Calhoun County Commission. For clarity, two Commissioners, Craig Arthur and Matt Walker, did attend the last meeting of the City, PSD’s and all other agencies involved and weighed in with questions regarding the consolidation attempt. But this battle began a few years ago, without involvement from the Calhoun County Commission of any level other than following a few reports. At risk is safe drinking water in Calhoun County, who’s in control, who’s in charge and why has this vital source of infrastructure not been addressed and funded by County dollars?
Judge Larry Whited, who has been very vocal in Calhoun County Commission meetings and concerned regarding the law of government meeting and agencies not being taken seriously, advised all those present to read the 48 pages in Chapter 6B of the code of the State of West Virginia for clarity on how county business should be conducted.
The third matter of concern was the current state of the Broadband project for which our County Commission contributed 1.2 million dollars. The largest amount of any county involved. The current status of this project has the first phase not being completed until 2024. Calhoun’s portion of the project must be completed by 2024 or we lose the matching funds. The group will address this matter as their final concern for the February Commission Meeting.
Donnie Pitts, President of the Calhoun County Park Board, attended the meeting with full financial disclosure on the Park Funds for anyone with questions regarding how they were handling grants and contribution and what the current status of projects were. The park has initiated a 5 year plan with projects to include a bath house and restroom facility, installation of play ground equipment donated by the Sand Fork School and new playground equipment for multiple ages. Park meetings are the first Thursday of each month at the Park barn with public welcome and encouraged to attend.
If you’d like to join the conversation with the Calhoun Citizens for Accountability, contact Eric Lupardas or attend the next meeting tentatively scheduled for February 9th at 6 p.m. Watch the Ridgeview for updates!
