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By Dianne Weaver
The Calhoun Commission focused on grant applications Monday night,
deciding to
re-apply for a Small Cities Block Grant for the Back Fork water
project. The rural water
system, an extension of the Pleasant Hill Public Service District,
appeared to be
fully-funded over a year ago, but that was not the case.
Commission President Bob Weaver said "We are attempting a leap toward
developing
a shell building for economic development. There are lots of hurdles."
The
Commission is looking for a combination of applications toward
bringing jobs to the
county, including approaching the Appalachian Regional Commission, the
Benedum
Foundation and state government.
Calhoun's Commission has voted for a joint venture with Wirt County to
hire an
Economic Development Director, since multiple county funding is more
readily
available.
Commissioners McCallister, Barr and Weaver re-submitted a Small Cities
Block Grant
that would fund an elevator for the courthouse, mandated by the
American Disabilities
Act. Also a SCBG is being submitted to re-roof Minnie Hamilton Health
Care.
A grant application will be processed for security improvements to the
courthouse
and the Commission approved a grant application submitted by Sheriff
Allen Parsons
for a new police vehicle.
In a long-shot approach, the Commission is asking the Budget Digest
for $80,000 to
help pay-off the regional jail bill. The Commission recently sold
their interest in the
local Senior Citizens Center for $50,000, and is applying that amount
to the overdue
jail bill.
Budget Digest applications have also been submitted for $25,000 to
repair the roof of
the community building at the Calhoun County Park; $25,000 for repairs
and
equipment for the courthouse and county government; $20,000 for
copiers and office
equipment for Minnie Hamilton Health Care; $70,000 for improving of
roadways at the
Calhoun Park; $25,000 to assist in relocating E-911 on the frontal
property of Calhoun
Middle/High School.
Other grant requests have been made for $2,500 for Calhoun 4-H and
$12,000 for
funding the Calhoun County Economic Development Authority. The
counties three
volunteer fire departments and local EMS are applying individually for
grant
assistance for various projects, according to Weaver.
The Commission reviewed the E-911 project and the final phase of house
addressing.
Doug McKenzie of McKenzie Engineering says the project will be
"wrapped up" by the
U. S. Postal system. The Commissioners approved the hiring of Mary
Bower as a clerk
in Circuit Clerk Shelia Garretson's office and new Deputy Sheriff Ron
Bandy.
Discussion was given to the naming of the Grantsville bridge in honor
of World War II
Medal of Honor recipient Bernard P. Bell. Commission President Weaver
was
re-appointed to the Workforce Investment Board.
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