Upshur County Commission acknowledges FEMA funding pause, approves routine administrative items

The Upshur County Commission on March 12 acknowledged a Notice of Funding Interruption from the West Virginia Emergency Management Division saying that, because of circumstances involving the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, no reimbursements can be made on any subgrants at this time.

Commission President Kristie G. Tenney reviewed a packet of informational items, including a Consolidated Public Retirement Board notice that the Public Employees Retirement System contribution rate will decrease from 9.0% to 8.0% for fiscal year 2027.

In other business the commission approved a set of administrative and personnel items: it accepted the 2026–2027 Public Utility Values as submitted by County Clerk Carol J. Smith (noting an increase of $1,792,378.00), authorized the Commission President to sign a Sworn Statement of Expenditures for grant number 24-BIPP-27 (grant period June 30, 2024–June 30, 2025), and approved entering an Auction Consignment Contract with Partner Auctions for calendar year 2026 at a flat 6% fee on items sold.

The commission approved placing Hook N Towing and Recovery, LLC on the county wrecker rotation list effective April 1, 2026 after Upshur County E-911 reviewed required documents. It also approved advertisements for seasonal positions at the Upshur County Youth Camp and temporary seasonal positions at the Buckhannon-Upshur Recreational Park for the 2026 season.

Appointments approved included Matt Scott to the Upshur County Development Authority board (requested by Executive Director Brandon Tenney) and Amber Ratliff as a volunteer with the Lewis-Upshur Animal Control Facility. The commission approved an employee's Family Medical Leave Act request. The commission approved invoices, vacation orders and several settlements and exoneration orders before adjourning at 11:15 a.m.

The minutes include multiple informational reports (E-911 reports, animal control reports showing 76 animals received in the period, sheriff and building/floodplain reports) and a posted budget hearing schedule; the minutes do not record extended public debate or contested votes on these items.