By Chelsea Blair
The Greenbrier County Commission held its regular meeting on Nov. 12 to discuss several important matters, including a resolution supporting Operation Greenlight, the approval of the Route 60 East Sewer Project Resolution #7, and the wastewater treatment plant improvements project.
The meeting began with a transfer of Arts and Recreation Funds in the amount of $4,608.75 for engineering work related to the Meadow River Trail 2024-25, which is covered by an AML Grant Reimbursement. The Commission also discussed several budget revisions: an increase of $527.50 for law enforcement capital outlay for uniform fees in September; a $1,920 increase to the law enforcement budget, including $510.66 for tax purposes; an increase of $244.80 for law enforcement retirement; and an additional $598 increase for uniform fees.
The commissioners then turned to old business, starting with the consideration of a grant application to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia for the Tower Assistance Fund. This grant would help fund part of the project to build a new tower at Muddy Creek. The current tower is significantly overloaded, making it unsafe to add new equipment. Commissioner President Tammy Shifflett-Tincher expressed her full support for the motion, pending a final review.
Also in old business, the commissioners reviewed the 2023-24 Financial Report, which had been reconciled by the financial auditor and is now ready for submission to the auditor. They also considered a lease agreement with AT&T Mobility regarding the tower at 1004 Skyline Drive in Rainelle. However, since the current lease does not expire until 2028 and the new lease terms have not been received, this item was removed from the agenda.
Under new business, the commissioners opened bids for the installation of concrete curbing, sidewalks, and a fence at the Greenbrier County Courthouse. Unfortunately, no bids were received, so the Commission will seek out contractors on the open market.
Next, the Commission discussed the approval of a resolution supporting Operation Greenlight, a program honoring veterans. Commissioner Shifflett-Tincher expressed her appreciation for the two veterans present at the meeting, both members of the American Legion. The resolution was approved unanimously.
The commissioners then considered the Route 60 East Sewer Project Resolution #7 for the White Sulphur Springs (WSS) TIF Project, which includes payments to Micro Contracting for $188,032.58 and E.L. Robinson Engineering for $24,728.77, totaling $212,761.35. This motion was approved unanimously and will now be presented to the City of White Sulphur Springs.
In addition, the Commission reviewed two draw requests: one for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Disinfection System Improvements Project Resolution #1, which includes a payment of $18,500 to E.L. Robinson Engineering for design work; and another for the Greenbrier County GigReady Project, totaling $539,556.72, with payments of $480,556.42 to CityNet and $59,000 to Thompson and Litton. Both draw requests were approved unanimously.
Next, a resolution was considered authorizing the Greenbrier County Farmland Protection Board to place funds in a West Virginia Money Market Investment account held by the State Treasurer. The account, approved by the State Auditor’s Office for public funds, will be used to manage funds set aside for properties under conservation easements. These funds, which will earn 5%, are intended for monitoring and maintenance of these properties.
The Commission also approved the sole source purchase of Eventide AIS licensing. Homeland Security Director Don Havens explained that with the system update at the Emergency Communications Center, additional channels will be recorded, requiring each channel to have its own license. The total cost of the contract is $85,000, and the funds will be allocated from the 911 Fund account.
Before adjourning, Commissioner Tincher took a moment to recognize Commissioner Nicholas Dailey, as this was likely his last meeting. “We cannot thank you enough for the work, time, and dedication you’ve put in,” she said. As a token of appreciation, Dailey will receive a photo of the Greenbrier County Courthouse once its renovations are complete, a project he cared deeply about.
Dailey expressed his gratitude, saying, “We have a lot of great people here at the courthouse, and I greatly appreciate my time here. I hope I have made everyone proud, especially Blaine, my mother-in-law, my wife, and kids. I wish the commission and Mr. Holliday the best.”
