COMMISSIONER HELMICK STARTS SIX-YEAR TERM - Sampson New Commission President

(01/04/2007)
New commissioner Kevin Helmick began his six year term at Tuesday's meeting of the Calhoun Commission and Rick Sampson was selected as president for 2007.

Commissioner Sampson said the commission has asked Sheriff Carl Ballengee to place county funds in interest bearing accounts or to invest the money, which could earn about $25,000 a year.

The commission will begin looking at applicants for the county's new E-911 Director later this month, including conducting interviews. The hire will be made with the calling of a special meeting.

The commission decided to include duties as the county's Flood Plain Coordinator to the new E-911 Director.

The commission approved an employment arrangement for courthouse custodian Eddie Harris for an extra hour of pay for maintaining the Family Court Building on Main Street, a service requirement set by the WV Supreme Court.

The commission reviewed a number of ideas for grants in 2007, including trying to obtain new bleachers for Wayne Underwood Field. County Clerk Richard Kirby is seeking a grant to have all records in his office scanned and placed on the Internet.

Kirby said about $3,500 has yet to be received from a $208,000 grant used for the historical preservation of the Stump Hotel, money which the county advanced for the project.

At the request of the Town of Grantsville, the commission prepared a 10-year lease agreement to allow the town to use the jail annex building for a town hall.

Sharon Hess appeared before the commission regarding problems she was having with a piece of property she purchased in a tax sale.

Dates for the Board of Equalization and review were set for February: Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12 (oil and gas), 15, 21, 26, and 28.

Julie Beckner appeared before the commission to advise a new hospice service is now available in the county.

The commission is reviewing and making appointments to boards and authorities for 2007.