Commission Holds Regular Meeting

The Braxton County Commission held their regular meeting on February 7 with all Commissioners in attendance. President Lisa Godwin called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Marie Lockard, Director of Braxton County Testing Center provided the Commission her agency’s monthly activity report for January.
Sherri Garren represented EMS Director Tiffany Prior, requested that the employment status of Brandon Carpenter be charged from part-time Driver to part-time EMT-A/Driver reflecting his pay increase to $16 per hour retroactively to January 1. That request was granted on a motion by Larry Clifton. Garren also requested and was granted, financial assistance from the Commission in meeting payroll for February if necessary.
Tyler Long, 9-1-1 Director, presented the Commission with his agency’s January activity report.
Sheriff Eddie Williams brought several matters before the Commission. He requested permission to purchase a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe out of the Home Confinement Funds. Lisa Godwin told the Sheriff that some time ago a similar situation came up and the State Auditor said that if the Home Confinement monies were used, the vehicle could only be utilized in related activities and not be part of the general fleet. Sheriff Williams voiced his disagreement with that limitation saying that while larger counties may be able to have a full-time home confinement office, his department did not. He explained that multiple deputies performed the duties associated with home confinement and could not be switching from one vehicle to another every time the need arose. President Godwin said that she and the Sheriff should discuss the matter with state officials at an upcoming meeting as well as the Commissioners and Sheriffs Association. Action on the purchase of the vehicle was table pending those discussions.
Sheriff Williams also mentioned that he would like to dispose of 3 surplus cruisers. He explained that the vehicles were not running and needed major repair. Godwin said that the county was planning an auction in the spring that the cars could be included in.
The Sheriff said he would like to purchase 8 new shotguns for the deputies at a cost of $4,200 from his Concealed Weapons Fund. That request was granted.
Melissa O’Brien, of CityNet was the final person to address the Commission. She gave the body an update on broadband expansion in the county.
In other action, the Probate Appointments for the month of January were approved as presented.
Larry Clifton made a motion to approve the final settlement of Austin Hardesty as presented by the Fiduciary Supervisor.
Three purchase orders were individually approved. The Sheriff was authorized to purchase 8 fire extinguishers from J.T. Martin at a cost of $639.84. General Appliance was approved for two charges related to a HVAC unit on the 4th floor of the Courthouse Annex Building in the amounts of $5,830 and $983.35.
The Commission approved a resolution naming the Braxton County Development Authority as the lead economic development agent for Braxton County for 2024/2025 fiscal year.
The Commission approved a quote from Advanced Alarm Technologies to replace the camera system for the Circuit Court Bailiff at a cost of $6,905.16.
Following a brief review, the Commission approved the renewal summary for insurance on county property from WVCorp.
The Commission approved a $250 donation to AmeriCorps for the Senior Companion Program.
The Commission approved the service agreement with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP for the coming year.
Following a discussion the Commission authorized Lisa Godwin to pursue an MOU with the Town of Gassaway regarding the Trail to Town Connector.
At the request of the Park Board, the Commission approved the reappointment of Pam Lockard and Linda Brown to 3-year terms on the Flatwoods Parks and Recreations Board.
The final act of the meeting was to approve the County and EMS invoices for payment and the minutes of the Commission’s regular January 17 meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
The next regular meeting of the Commission will be on February 21 beginning at 9:00 a.m.