By Chelsea Blair
At the regular Greenbrier County Commission meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10, the Commissioners approved a resolution supporting National 4-H Week. Greenbrier County 4-H Extension Agent Robin Haynes presented a proclamation to designate Oct. 6-12 as National 4-H Week in Greenbrier County. She expressed gratitude to all volunteers and supporters who continue to make camp activities possible, stating, “We strive to provide as many opportunities as possible for our members, including camping, shooting sports, fairs and festivals, livestock shows, and much more, but we could not do it without the support we receive from everyone.” The commissioners approved the resolution unanimously.
Haynes also discussed a new hire application for a Program Assistant at the Greenbrier County 4-H Extension Office. She stated that Katherine Little, who grew up in the 4-H program with her mother serving as a 4-H Agent in Raleigh County, has experience working with children through substitute teaching. Haynes believes Little will be a great fit for the position and that her familiarity with the program will facilitate training.
Next on the agenda was the approval of a letter of support for the Child and Youth Advocacy Center’s grant application to the West Virginia First Foundation. Fran Zarcone of the Child and Youth Advocacy Center in Greenbrier County informed the commission that in the last year the center has served 169 new clients and provided over 400 services to pre-existing clients. Unfortunately, VOCA, the current funding source for the Advocacy Center, is decreasing the budget by 44 percent. Therefore, a letter of support is needed for any grants the center may apply for to secure additional funding for expanding the center, hiring new therapists, and continuing to serve children and families. The commissioners unanimously approved the letter of support.
Amanda Smart from Region 4 discussed the payment for Resolution #6 regarding the Rt. 60 East Sewer Project – WSS TIF Project. The resolution authorizes payments of $57,012.33 to Viper Contracting Inc. and $25,612.52 to EL Robinson Engineering from the TIF fund. She also presented information for the Greenbrier County Gigready Broadband Project, and a cost share request letter for the project. The draw request will come from state funding and the required county match for this TIF project, totaling $407,908.03 to CityNet, the procured ISP, and $91,770 to Thompson and Litton. The Gigready Broadband Project is set up as a full reimbursement project, requiring proof of payment before the state will reimburse. This creates a need for funds to remain outstanding from the commission. Smart noted that the state is considering a request to assist with financial needs during this reimbursement period. Both resolutions were unanimously approved by the commission.
The consideration of a new hire application for an Assistant Prosecutor at the Greenbrier County Prosecutor’s Office was discussed next. The office had met with Lauren Lynch several weeks ago and decided to offer her employment starting Jan. 1. However, they realized she is needed sooner than expected, so her employment will now begin on Oct. 28. Additionally, the Commission discussed a new hire application for a Security Officer with the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department. Donnie Honaker, who has worked in Greenbrier County for the past 13 years, was recommended as a good addition to the Security Department, according to the Sheriff.
The meeting was paused for an executive session to seek legal advice on three agenda items. Upon reconvening, the commissioners tabled the lease agreement consideration with AT&T Mobility regarding the tower located at 1004 Skyline Drive, Rainelle, WV, until the terms of the agreement are fully resolved. They also approved a resolution concerning the litigation of The Greenbrier County Commission v. Margaret Preston Kulkarni, Greenbrier County Circuit Court Case No. 23-C-44, as presented by counsel.
The Commission also approved several Arts and Recreation Transfers including $5,497.96 for the Meadow River Trail 2024-25 trail consultants with a partial AML grant reimbursement, $7,000 for mowing of the Meadow River Trail, $750 to Greenbrier Valley Chorale for 2024-25 programming for the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and $15,632.89 to Greenbrier County Libraries for 2024-25 first quarter payments for Lewisburg, Ronceverte, Rainelle, Rupert and White Sulphur Springs libraries.
Before adjourning, Tammy Shifflett-Tincher, Commissioner President, discussed the celebration at the Andrew Lewis monument honoring the beginning of the Colonial Trail, in recognition of West Virginia’s semi-quincentennial. She noted that West Virginia will celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026 and reminded everyone that early voting begins on Oct. 23 and runs through Nov. 2.
