The Braxton County Commission called an emergency meeting on Thursday, September 28 at 3:30 p.m. That meeting, which is allowable under the State’s Open Meetings Law, only contained two items: Discussion of transfer of funds to the 9-1-1 department and discussion of Sheriff’s Deputies phone and Internet service.
President Lisa Godwin called the special session to order. As required by law, she first explained the need to call the emergency meeting. She stated that a check for $163,009.50 had been authorized by the WV Public Service Commission but had not been issued by the Auditor’s office. Godwin stated that her telephone communications with the Auditor’s staff indicated the check would not be processed and mailed until next week or the following one. She further explained that funds were not sufficient in the 9-1-1 account to meet the next payroll due October 1st. The $163,009.50 check represents the quarterly funds collected for Braxton County from telephone surcharges.
Godwin further stated that money would need to be transferred to meet possibly two payrolls before the check arrived. She suggested $60,000 would likely cover the anticipated need. The transfer was approved on a motion by Larry Clifton.
Commissioner Melvin Gum asked if the money was a loan or a grant? President Godwin said she would have to research the 9-1-1 fund to answer the question. Following a discussion, the Commissioners mutually agreed that if the 9-1-1 fund needed additional financial assistance from the Commission they would have to present information to justify such support at a later meeting. Larry Clifton made a second motion that the $60,000 be repaid to the Commission when funds become available.
President Godwin explained that the Deputies’ offices had been without phone or internet service since an electrical storm occurred approximately 2 weeks ago. After reviewing various options, the Commission voted to accept the bid of glofiber, a division of Shentel, for $655 per month for five-years. In addition, the Commission also authorized a payment of $2,746.40 to GST-WV for equipment and upgrades to their internet service.
Being no further business that could be discussed, the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Braxton County Commission will convene on Friday, October 6 at 9:00 a.m.
