CALHOUN COMMISSION APPROVES 2013 AUDIT FINDINGS - Commission Pursuing Courthouse Improvements

(09/10/2014)
The Calhoun Commission approved the 2013 county audit received from State Auditor Glen B. Gainer.

Commissioners said there were fewer minor issues discovered in the audit in several years, indicating auditors praised County Clerk Jean Simers regarding accounting practices.

"The commission has dutifully worked at meeting all audit requirements, in addition to operating the county with limited and tight budget restraints," said Commission President Chip Westfall.

"We're grateful to elected officials for making difficult budget decisions in their offices," he said.

- Commission granted the Calhoun County Library $500 to be used to apply for grant money.

- The commission is continuing to pursue funding through the Courthouse Facilities grant program for courthouse repairs, including issues with a 40-year-old boiler used for heating, and will be applying for further funding to extend the courthouse handicapped chairlift. A fire escape is being installed at the courthouse, required by the State Fire Marshal.

- The commission approved Sheriff Carl Ballengee's requested hire of Charles McCroksey as a part-time deputy, not under the Deputy Sheriffs Civil Service Board. McCrosky will work no more than 19.5 hours a week at $12 an hour.

- 911/OES Director Kathy Wood issued a 911 activity report, saying a new radio repeater is being installed in southern Calhoun on Mule Knob to improve radio communications in that part of the county.

- Approved a proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

- Commission moved for an WV Ethics Commission decision regarding the sale of guns by Calhoun Sheriff Carl Ballengee. (See Additional Story)

- Accepted the resignation of Robert Nicholas as courthouse custodian.

The next regular commission meeting is set for October 14.