Tim Walker
AMR Reporter
It was announced at the August 20 Pocahontas County Commission meeting that Pocahontas County Prosecuting Attorney Terry Helmick will resign as of September 6.
As the commission’s architect could not attend the meeting, two issues were rescheduled, one concerning the old jail building and the possible purchase of the lot next to the courthouse, and the second agenda item dealt with the proposed Visitors Center in Durbin.
Jeremy Jones, the Director of the West Virginia Division of Forestry, appeared before the commission to ask to renew the DOF’s lease of space in the ARC Building in Marlinton for another five years at the same $500 per month. Others in the building had complained that the DOF had equipment scattered all around – inside and outside of the building – beyond the area they lease, so the commission had invited a representative to discuss the matter before renewing the lease. Jones said the extra equipment is temporary and will be gone within the month, and the agency will avoid such issues in the future.
The commission renewed the lease.
In other matters, the commission
• approved the additional $20,000 cost of asbestos abatement at the Tannery property because more asbestos was found.
• approved the sheriff’s recommendation that pets not be allowed in the courthouse unless they are service dogs.
• moved part-time EMT Kiara Davis to a full-time EMT position at the County Ambulance Service.
• approved the EMS Salary Enhancement Fund Questionnaire.
• made five appointments to the Local Emergency Planning Commission – Gail Siers, Heather Niday, Leisha Cassell, John Leyzorek and Wanda Wyatt; and appointed Kaitlyn Alderman to the Day Report Board.
Hillsboro resident and democratic county commission candidate Jay Miller offered his opinion on several issues facing the commission, such as the old jail building, proposed courthouse annex, the proposed new 911 Center and EMS building, as well as the future of solid waste disposal in the county.
Since Miller expressed his ideas as part of Hear Callers-or public comment, the commission did not respond.