By Chelsea Blair
The Greenbrier County Commission met on Tuesday, Apr. 23, to discuss annual funding of the Greenbrier Humane Society, to recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month, and to review approval of proposed Greenbrier County Farmland Protection Program properties.
Jen Runyon, Greenbrier Humane Society’s Volunteer Board President, presented the Commission with updates on the Greenbrier Humane Society. Runyon stated that in 2023 the facility had a total of 936 animals in their care; 771 dogs and 1,075 cats were surrendered by Greenbrier County Citizens. She stated that the society estimates they will end 2024 with over 900 dog surrenders, but she believes cat surrenders will remain static.
Runyon also spoke about the spay and neuter program provided by the Society as well as a new program, Doggy Day Out. The program allows approved dogs to leave the facility for the day and according to Runyon, is very helpful to the dogs and those who wish to bond with a dog for the day. The Greenbrier Humane Society continues to provide dog and cat food to all the food pantries in the county. Runyon spoke on the change in prices for food and medical care at the facility, stating last year the society spent $37,963.61 on food compared to $24,000 in 2022, and $104,000 for medical care and supplies in 2023 compared to $61,000 in 2022.
“It is sincerely an honor to be in that position and have an opportunity to serve the community and to be here today with you all,” said Runyon. “I do also want to highlight that we were so pleased to already have Nick at the facility. Thank you for the visit, and he and Erica even fostered back in 2019, so thank you and thank you for having me here today.”
Next on the agenda was the consideration of a proclamation recognizing Child Abuse Protection Month and to announce the Children’s Memorial Flag Day Ceremony. Leslie Tolbert, director of the Greenbrier County Family Support Center, read the proclamation before the commissioners. The proclamation states that Friday, Apr. 26, will be recognized as Children’s Memorial Flag Day. She encourages citizens of the county to join in remembrance of children whose lives have been lost to abuse and neglect in our community and across the country. The proclamation also adds that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The motion was approved unanimously. Tincher added that the Flag Day ceremony will be held on Friday, Apr. 26 at 12 p.m. in front of the courthouse.
A resolution presented by the City of Alderson to accept the petition for annexation into municipal limits of certain real estate adjacent to the town was the next considered item. The real estate is identified as 737 River View Ave. West, Alderson, district 3 parcels 43 and 44. Representatives from Alderson’s Council were unable to attend the meeting, therefore, Britt Ludwig, counsel for the Greenbrier County Commission, shared information on the proposal. Ludwig informed the commissioners that both parcels owned by the petitioner, A and B Storage LLC., owned solely by Sabrina Vance are in the Blue Sulphur District. The town of Alderson certifies by forwarding the resolution to the county commission that the petition meets requirements of the WV code 8-6-4 for annexation. The motion was approved.
A motion to approve a new hire, Maggie Bartenslager, a WVU student, as Program Assistant for the 4-H Extension Office, was presented for consideration. Based on her application, background, and involvement in 4-H, Commissioner Rose made a motion to approve her hiring beginning May 3. The motion was approved unanimously.
The Greenbrier County Farmland Protection Program presented a request for approval of purchase on two conservation easement properties. Program Director Amy Maloney provided information on the requests. The first property, owned by Doris A Ragsdale, is in the Lewisburg district with 38.51 acres. The Farmland Protection Program offered $77,420 for the property. The second conservation easement is on property owned by Roger Todd Boone and is 100.409 acres located in the Irish Corner District. The price offered for the property is $200,818. The motioned was approved unanimously.
Tincher reminded everyone that the funds that the county pays towards these properties for the landowners is a portion of the transfer tax from real estate sales in the county. It is written in the state code that a portion of those funds are required to go to this program.
Another item on the agenda for consideration is a draw request for the Quinwood area Broadband Project. It was presented for consideration by Region 4 development grant from Small Cities Block Grant Program. The tower has been completed and invoices received are for planning and technical services from Thompson and Litton, the engineering firm contracted for the county to complete the design work and engineering for the project. Also included are invoices for Region 4 Planning and Development Council which manages all the administration for the grant projects. The amount in consideration is $28,454.77 in draw request with a total of $31,454.77. Included in the total is $3,000 from Thompson and Litton and $668,227 is the awarded total considered for payment of invoices.
The next item is request for approval for Gig Ready budget amendment and approval of Gig Ready quarter report. The request was received from the State of WV Broadband Development Office to be reviewed by the Commission and returned. The motion was approved unanimously.
Before moving to adjourn, Tincher made a few announcements. She thanked everyone who submitted applications for the Arts and Recreation Program and stated the applications have been received but will not be awarded until June. She added that notifications will be made on the program in the coming months.
Tincher also reminded everyone that Apr. 23 was the last day to register to vote and that early voting will be held from May 1 through May 11. Early voting will be held at Romano Law on Court Street Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Early voting in Rupert will be held at the Rupert Community Building along Midland Trail, Route 60, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Courthouse will be closed on Election Day, May 14.