By Lyra Bordelon
The second monthly meeting of the Greenbrier County Commission saw the approval of the next budget, permission for White Sulphur to move forward with water infrastructure projects, a presentation from 4-H youth, and more on Tuesday, March 23.
After hearing budget presentations in a previous meeting, the Commission approved the 2021/2022 fiscal year county budget.
“Obviously three people don’t always agree on everything but that process went exceptionally smoothly this year, so I thank my other two commissioners,” said Commissioner Mike McClung.
This budget also came with a raise for many Greenbrier County employees, a common request for each of the department heads.
“I agree with Mike and … we are very happy to be able to unanimously award a raise for all county employees,” said Commissioner Tammy Shiflett-Tincher.
The budget was not the only approval – an infrastructure project for the the Tax Increment Financing plan in White Sulphur Springs was approved by the commission. Just one of many projects in the reallocation of over $10 million in tax revenue to the county, this specific project contains upgrades to the water plant and installing a new water line, running through Big Draft Road to Route 92.
In other business:
– Local students with the Greenbrier County 4H Club spoke with the County Commission and the city of Lewisburg for a possible grant match to fund improvements to Montwell Park. The students are competing in the My Home Town project, seeking to keep West Virginia youth in West Virginia. Should they win the $2,500 grant award, their project would add permanent pickleball courts, fencing, and seating to the park.
– The annual Child Abuse Prevention ceremony in front of the Greenbrier County Courthouse has been scheduled for April 30, calling attention to those in the community who fight for abused and neglected children, asking for residents to reach out if they can help.
– Grant applications for Victim of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program grant applications for the Prosecutor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department were approved. These grants are annual applications that fund victim advocate positions in both departments.
