| The Calhoun Commission has asked Sheriff Carl Ballengee to offer a plan regarding a pay-back of part of grant money he received in 2006 from the US Department of Justice.
Ballengee's department received a $74,074 grant in 2006, but federal officials say he must return about $21,000 to the agency.
Diane Ludwig, who has been working on remediation of the issue for the Calhoun Commission, says $10,000 of the grant was unspent, but another $11,000 was spent after the time guidelines had expired.
Ludwig told the commission yesterday that failure to make the pay-back could result in the Calhoun Sheriff's Department being listed as ineligible for further funding in the future.
Ballengee told the commission he would not likely have the pay-back money in his current budget.
The commission asked Ballengee to present a plan for the pay-back at a special meeting which they have scheduled for August 21st at 8:30 a.m.
The commission is advising elected officials and agency heads that part-time county employees who work over 20 hours a week are eligible for state retirement benefits, and that officials must make adjustments around the state requirement.
The issue is expected to be clarified in the county's employee handbook.
The county's chief election official, Richard Kirby, discussed several preparatory issues related to November's election, determining the number and type of election workers, a medical emergency voting policy and the planned drawing of ballot positions on August 26.
Kirby said he will be printing back-up paper ballots "just in case there are problems with the computerized machines," although Calhoun was among the West Virginia counties that have stayed on top of the equipment and programming issues with the machines.
Calhoun's E-911 Director Gary Buchanan reported on continuing progress with the county's addressing, saying the project is expected to be submitted to state officials by late August or early September, although he noted the state has been slow on approving the projects.
The commission accepted the resignation of Darrill Hashman, a longtime member of the regional EMS board, recognizing him for his dedicated service to the county.
The commission accepted the resignation of Debbie Hartshorn who has served on the building commission, and are looking for a replacement.
They appointed Danny May and Justin D. Smith to the LEPC Board.
The commission approved County Clerk Richard Kirby's hiring of Amanda Oldham as an administrative assistant.
The commission reinstated $1,000 for the WV Extension Service's budget.
Sarah Holt of the Little Kanawha Foundation gave a presentation regarding programs that specifically help Calhoun-Wirt residents, including requesting county residents to support matching scholarship funds being issued by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
New WVU Extension agent Curt Garretson gave a report on initiatives being taken by his agency to start a recycling program and a basketball program for the youth.
Judy Yoak and Janet Richard of Furr'y Friends gave a report on the groups spay and neutering program, asking for financial support.
During Monday's meeting, the commission went into executive session twice to discuss personnel issues, including a settlement with a former county employee. The commission took no formal action on the personnel issues.
The commission will attend a special training regarding flood plain management on August 21st, and take a required NIMS test.
| 
