Commission approves routine items, grants and a farmland easement; awards sheriff roof bid

At its May 20 meeting the Harrison County Commission approved routine business items, several small community funding requests, the purchase of a farmland protection easement and a sheriff’s office roof replacement contract.

The commission approved the consent agenda, payroll change notices A–C, minutes from April 24 and requisitions, purchase orders and invoices A–C by voice votes with no recorded opposition. The commission also approved budget revisions for the general county and vital services (11A and 11B).

Special funding requests approved included a $3,000 contribution to the Wallace Volunteer Fire Department for its Wallace Day at the Park (motion carried by voice vote) and $1,500 for a "back to school" event from the Clarksburg Harrison Regional Housing Authority. The commission approved a $61,600 purchase of a farmland protection easement covering 24.62 acres associated with "Robert Suon." The commission reappointed Orpha Swagger to the Harrison County Solid Waste Authority and reappointed Victor Folio, Mary Robinson and Greg Chalet to the building commission.

Staff reported a $100,000 grant from the West Virginia Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority; $80,000 is being requested as reimbursement now and the remaining $20,000 will be requested when the project is complete. The commission approved a $5,000 trap-neuter-release program for cats run by Best Friends Animal Society, a $1,500 Walmart grant to support drive-in movies, and annual HIDUP overtime funds totaling $50,000.

The commission awarded the sheriff’s roof replacement contract to Lee Rigger Builds LLC for $53,698 after staff noted missing documentation from the lowest bidder; the middle bid was accepted and the motion carried by voice vote.

Commissioner Hinkle also publicly thanked election staff after passage of two countywide levies. The meeting adjourned following routine commissioner reports.