By Dakota Baker
The Greenbrier County Commission met to review a full agenda that included funding approvals, project updates, and personnel decisions. Key topics included support for local arts and recreation events, progress on the Greenbrier GigReady Broadband Project, and updates on infrastructure, community development opportunities, and county operations.
Financial approvals for arts and recreation were granted as follows: $4,144.02 to Williamsburg Community Action for the 2025-2026 community fairs, and $8,850 to Alderson 4th of July for 2025–2026 event entertainment, security, and sanitation services. This brings the total approved amount to $12,994.02, which will be transferred from checking to savings to cover invoiced expenses, as approved by the commission.
Discussion of Budget Amendment #2 for the Greenbrier GigReady Broadband Project followed, as Amanda Smarr joined the meeting via video call and explained that “…because the project is gearing up for construction, it reallocates the matching funds to fit with the commission’s request to make sure the matching funds are going to be expended during the project performance period. So, after conversation with the legal team and the commission, it was requested that the matching funds be placed in the construction line items, mainly. So, that is what this budget reflects.”
Commissioner Holliday followed up by asking Amanda if the change was the $1,675,000, to which Amanda clarified, “There is no change in the budget amendment, the total amount that’s committed by the commission and the total grant amount does not change. The only thing that changes is where the matching funds were allocated and what specific line item in the budget itself. So, whereas up until this point it has been an even 75% grant, 25% matching funds; once construction begins, if we start moving around the matching funds, some of those line items are going to have a higher cost split than 75/25.” In short, funds are being reallocated within the existing budget to cover bid items, but the total project cost remains unchanged. The revision was approved.
The commission next considered documents needed to proceed with construction on the Greenbrier GigReady Broadband Project. Amanda stated, “This is only the debarment form, which basically confirms that the contractor that was selected, Quanta Telecommunication Systems, is not on the debarment list and they have an active SAM.gov registration, which they do and is also provided.” Commissioner Holliday asked if the documents were checked, which Amanda confirmed they were. The documents were approved.
The commission then considered Draw Request #19 for the project. According to Amanda, this request reflects the state’s direction to hold off on submitting draw requests until the budget amendment is submitted. This item was tabled until the new grant disbursement sheet is completed.
The Greenbrier Forest State Park Trails Project proposal, part of the WSS TIF Project, stems from a funding opportunity tied to regional outdoor development efforts. According to John Tuggle, “This is an opportunity that was presented a year ago and is in partnership with the West Virginia Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, who indicated they could pursue an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER grant to support a significant trail project, requesting over $2 million and requiring a 30% local match because it is in Greenbrier County.”
Building on that opportunity, a significant portion of the proposed trails would be located within Greenbrier Forest and the TIF district, making the project directly relevant to local development planning. The proposed approach would use TIF funds as the required match, aligning local resources with grant requirements.
At this stage, however, the application is not ready to submit, and further discussion is needed to determine how the project will ultimately play out. Commissioners were informed of the potential request for support at a later date.
Commissioners also considered final payment under Resolution #11 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Disinfection Project (WSS TIF Project). This final resolution included a payment of $13,616.36 to the contractor, exhausting the remaining contract balance, and a final engineering invoice from E.L. Robinson in the amount of $849.68. The combined total is $14,466.06. Resolution #11 was approved.
Next, the commission reviewed a new hire application for a deputy sheriff position with the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Bart Baker recommended Grayson Bruce Hosey to fill a deputy sheriff position within the Sheriff’s Department. Hosey is a member of the National Guard and has fulfilled all civil service requirements and passed a background check. Sheriff Baker stated, “I personally interviewed the young man, I think he’s a fine young man, I think he’ll do a great job.” The hiring recommendation was approved.
Then, commissioners considered and accepted the retirement of County Attorney Britt Ludwig effective Mar. 31, 2026. Commissioner President Lowell Rose stated, “Brit has done quite a bit of work for the county. She’s brought us up to legal status on a lot of things. So, we appreciate her work over the last several years.”
Additionally, there was consideration of an appointment to the Planning Commission to fill a vacancy. Commissioner Holliday made the motion to appoint Josh Peplowski to fill that vacancy. The motion was approved.
Furthermore, commissioners considered whether to “opt in” to a new opioid settlement involving six remnant defendants: Associated Pharmacies, Inc. (and American Associated Pharmacies); J M Smith Corporation; Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc.; and United Natural Foods, Inc. (including its subsidiaries SuperValu and Advantage Logistics). Commissioners voted to opt in based on their attorney’s recommendation.
Moreover, the commission reviewed and approved the poll worker list for the May 2026 Primary Election. Some changes are needed, as several of the lists had all new poll workers and there needs to be at least two experienced workers at each precinct. The commission approved the poll worker list as presented while allowing the county clerk, Robin McCullough, to make necessary adjustments to ensure the elections run as smoothly as possible.
Finally, commissioners announced the open request for the courthouse drainage project. The request will be posted on the county website and social media, with a mandatory pre-bid meeting scheduled for Mar. 31 at 1 p.m.
In closing, arts and recreation applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 27, in the commission office.
