At its recent meeting, the Greenbrier County Commission approved several financial transfers totaling $239,797.58 from the county’s savings to checking account to cover invoices related to arts and recreation projects. These included $1,231.25 for consulting services and partial Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) reimbursement for the Meadow River Trail, and $12,000 as a required match for a Division of Highways (DoH) grant to complete the trailhead. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre received $45,555.45 to support its 2025–2026 programming, and Meadow River Rail Trail Phase 3 received $181,010.88 for AML reimbursement, which marks the fifth payment to Lynch Construction.
The commission also acknowledged the Greenbrier County Planning Commission’s recommendation to adopt the updated Comprehensive Plan. The previous plan, adopted in 2014, expired in October 2024. Following extensive public outreach, a hearing was held on Aug. 27, and during the Planning Commission’s September 3 meeting, the update was formally recommended. The County Commission approved a motion to adopt the plan as recommended and scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 30, at 7 p.m.
Commissioners then approved a proclamation declaring September 2025 as Hunger Action Month in Greenbrier County. This initiative, led by the Mountaineer Food Bank, aims to raise awareness and mobilize the public to combat food insecurity. According to the food bank, 277,000 West Virginians – including 1 in 5 children – are food insecure, with over 5,460 affected residents in Greenbrier County alone. In 2023, more than 588,000 pounds of food were distributed locally. The proclamation encourages public education, donations, and volunteering.
Another proclamation was approved to recognize Constitution Week, observed during the week of Sept. 17 to mark the anniversary of the U.S. Constitution’s signing in 1787. The Daughters of the American Revolution requested the declaration, also noting the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The commission addressed matters related to the White Sulphur Springs Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, approving an extension of the district’s lifespan from 30 to 45 years. A public hearing was held for “Project Plan No. 2,” but no public comments were made. Payment Resolution #7 was also approved for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Disinfection Project in the amount of $75,288.54, with $71,179.41 allocated to Veritas Contracting and $4,109.13 to E.L. Robinson Engineers.
A resolution supporting the Russellville Trailhead and Meadow River agreement was passed, which includes a $12,000 local match for a $100,000 state grant. Commissioner Tammy Tincher explained that the grant will fund the design of a parking area for the trailhead. The Meadow River Trail Phase 3 project also saw progress, with the commission approving Change Order #3. Tincher clarified that this change is only a schedule adjustment due to weather delays and involves no financial changes. The Rainelle section of the trail is still under construction, and completion is now expected by December 2025.
Finally, the commission amended the bid request for the county website project. The original completion deadline of Oct. 30 has been removed, allowing bidders to propose their own project timelines. The new deadline for submitting bids is Oct. 10. The next Greenbrier County Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 10 a.m.
