By Dakota Baker
The Greenbrier County Commission met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 29, and approved multiple funding allocations through the Arts and Recreation fund and received updates on key projects and upcoming events from local organizations.
In total, the Commission approved $142,451.91 in Arts and Recreation transfers. The funds will be moved from savings to checking to cover various project and program expenses. Approved allocations include $6,882.97 for the 2024–2025 fourth-quarter support of the Alderson and White Sulphur Springs libraries, and $112,891.50 to Lynch Construction for Meadow River Trail payout #4, reimbursed through an AML grant. Additionally, $16,374.42 was approved for the Greenbrier Hills Golf Course in Rainelle as part of the 2024-2025 grant for turf, gravel, and equipment. The commission also authorized $5,587.24 for the Corporation of Falling Springs (Renick) to support the town’s Freedom Festival, and $715.78 for High Rocks to conduct a 2024-25 STEM workshop at The Hub. The commission approved the transfers unanimously.
Two presentations were delivered during the meeting, including one from the Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center. Tag Galyean shared a two-minute video highlighting the importance of the facility and the range of programs it offers to the community. The center currently has more than 400 active memberships, representing an estimated 1,100 to 1,200 individuals due to family plans. However, this figure reflects only about half of the memberships the center had initially projected. Operating costs average approximately $2,000 per day, with current membership revenue covering only about half of that amount. Tag noted that a grant expected in December will allow the center to pay off its remaining debts. The facility asked the County Commission for continued support in any capacity they can provide.
The second presentation was given by Don Smith, Chief Communications Officer and Associate Vice President of Government and External Relations at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), about the school’s upcoming Bio Hub groundbreaking and economic development forum. The groundbreaking for the $35 million expansion of WVSOM’s Science Center will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, and is open to the public. Smith described the project as both a necessary upgrade for students and faculty and a significant step in economic development, with plans to open the third floor of the new facility to outside researchers. WVSOM President Dr. James Nemitz has emphasized forming private research partnerships through the expansion, and the school is already in talks with researchers nationwide. In addition, WVSOM is anticipating funding for an on-campus child care center to serve both students and the broader community. The following day, Thursday, Aug. 21, WVSOM will host a Bio Forum to bring together federal officials and biotech industry leaders to discuss how West Virginia can attract research and innovation-focused investment. Don stated, “This is not the WVSOM BioHub, it’s not the Lewisburg Bio Hub, it would be the Greenbrier Valley Bio Hub.”
The Commission read a proclamation in support of the “West Virginia Goes Purple” initiative for National Recovery Month in September 2025, which was approved. According to speaker Jennifer Crane, the initiative aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support recovery for individuals affected by substance use disorder. People are encouraged to wear purple or show their support in any way they can throughout the month. The Commission also approved the appointment of Ron Magruder to the Greenbrier County Planning Commission. In addition, a letter of support was approved to accompany a grant application for an upcoming Abandoned Mine Lands and Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grant to be submitted to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for the Adventure Meadow River Welcome Center. A lease agreement with the Greenbrier Valley Airport Authority was approved for the premises occupied by the Greenbrier County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Payments were also approved for Resolution #14 related to the Greenbrier County PSD #2 Phase II Waterline Extension Project, and for Draw Request #12 for the Greenbrier County GigReady Broadband Project. The Commission confirmed the separations of employment for Whitney Harris from the Greenbrier County Emergency 911 Communications Center, effective July 17, 2025, and Bev Nelson from the Greenbrier County Prosecutor’s Office, effective July 30, 2025.
Additionally, a resolution was passed to set a public hearing date and provide notice regarding the proposed amendment to Project Plan No. 2 for the Greenbrier County TIF District #1 (White Sulphur Springs), including submission of the TIF application to the West Virginia Division of Economic Development and related matters. A reimbursement resolution for the TIF Project Fund was also approved. The only item not approved was the opening of bids for after hours janitorial services at the Greenbrier County Courthouse, which the Commission agreed requires further review before a decision is made because one bid amount was not listed.