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The Calhoun Commission officially designated the Little Kanawha Area
Development Corporation the lead economic development agency for
Calhoun last night during a special meeting. The development corporation is
a joint economic venture between Calhoun and Wirt County.
The two-county project allows more money to be accessed for economic
development.
Commission President Larry McCallister said "We are hoping to use the new
agency to stay on top of any opportunities which might come our way.
The Commission completed the budget process this month and approved the
levy. McCallister said "While things are tight, the county is staying above
water," which is described as no small feat. "Some people and some
services have suffered, but we are in the black."
The Regional Jail bill is near its lowest amount in several years at
$67,951.25, and the Commission continues to reduce the amount each
month. With numerous mandates coming from Charleston, the financial
picture can quickly change.
The Commission continued the process to obtain a $15,000 Governor's
Partnership Grant for the Pleasant Hill Public Service District, which is
currently in severe financial distress. The grant will do repairs and upgrades
on lines along Routes 16, 7 and 5. The Pleasant Hill Public Service water
district has applied for a rate increase, attempting to comply with higher
water rates from its supplier, the Town of Grantsville.
Mark Hewitt, a Physician's Assistant at Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center,
was appointed to the Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC).
The agenda for the Commission's May 6 meeting is shaping up, including
concerns about cutting summer jobs for Calhoun kids by an agency
contracted by the Workforce Investment Board. Commission member Bob
Weaver and County Clerk Richard Kirby will be meeting with the agency to
try and correct the cuts, which are based on the creation of a year-round
program for kids.
"The agency has dropped the ball on this in our county," said Kirby.
The May 6 meeting will review problems with Budget Digest grants, with
funds year to be released to county projects from last year.
A letter of intent is being sent to the Calhoun County Board of Education
regarding the county taking over the old Calhoun High School athletic field
and facilities for continued public use.
Numerous other items are expected to be on the May agenda, including final
election concerns.
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