| The Calhoun Commission expressed some serious concerns over not receiving Budget Digest money from last year, during
Monday evenings meeting.
About a dozen Budget Digest grants amounting to over $100,000 that were announced for Calhoun County last June have not been forthcoming.
Clerk Richard Kirby said numerous efforts to obtain the money from Charleston have not been successful. Kirby said Delegate Bill Stemple has been trying to obtain the funds, some of which the county would have used for mandated items and
loosen funds for balancing the budget this year.
A possible explanation may be current financial problems in Charleston.
Commissioners Sampson, McCallister and Weaver discussed an application for continued security at the courthouse with Rick Postalwait, who is helping with the grant application.
Carl Shaw appeared before the Commission to discuss the King George single-tax
system which he believes would bring social and economic justice.
911 Director Barry Pitts advised the Commission he is going to replace recording
equipment that is over ten years old at the 911 center. The replacement will be about $15,000, with bids
being requested. Pitts will use funds from the 911 budget.
The Commission applied for a $10,000 Governor's Partnership Grant for new books
and materials for the Calhoun County Library. Assistance for a $250,000 grant for the
proposed Emergency Services Center through the Appalachian Regional Commission
was moved forward, although the ARC learned this week the Bush budget has
reduced their budget by 50%.
Last month the Commission asked Delegate Bill Stemple for $100,000 from the
Budget Digest, for emergency services.
Town councilwomen JoAnn Shock and Peggy Cain advised the Commission the
Town of Grantsville may not be able to reopen the town's swimming pool this year.
Shock said the pool has been in the red about $12,000 annually for the past several
years, and continues to have serious repair problems. The pool was installed in the
1960's. Shock asked the Commission if the county might help with the pool.
The Commission will hold budget hearings on March 7 and 28 during special
meetings.
Special meetings of the Board of Equalization and Review are scheduled for 5 p.m.
February 6, 10, 13 and 18.
The February 10 meeting is a special meeting to discuss problems with oil and gas
taxes. If taxpayers have problems with their oil and gas assessments, they should
call the Assessor's office so the State Tax Department will have a file for review.
Much of the meeting was directed toward a discussion of a proposed Emergency
Services Center for the county. (See story 2/4/03)
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