Pocahontas Commission Hears Reports, Approves Contributions

At their February 4^th meeting, the Pocahontas County Commission, in uncontested moves, replaced Kathy Hanna as the personal representative for the Louise Johnson Estate with Vickie Vrable and replaced Frances Burns as the representative for the Leo Ames Estate with Stephanie Ames.

Carol Bush from the U.S. Census Bureau briefed the commissioners on the 2020 Census process. She said that they are still hiring census workers, and letters will be mailed out to households in mid-March, with personal visits to those not responding to the letters taking place during May, June and July.

Sue Helton informed the commissioners that the Clerk’s Office received a $10,000 grant award from West Virginia Culture & History for records preservation.

Additionally, the commissioners:

• Approved a lease extension for office space in the former Shoe Factory building by the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
• Appointed Terri Workman Helmick as a Pocahontas County Fiduciary Commissioner.
• Conducted a Board of Review and Equalization Hearing with no reviews scheduled or heard.

During his report, Commission Counsel Bob Martin reported that the Silver Creek Association has withdrawn its court motion to reverse the assessor’s decision to reassess 247 units located in the commercial zone but also stated its intent to request exoneration on these assessments from the commission this in the fall. Martin also reported the Opioid Settlement litigation is moving forward but very slowly, with a meeting scheduled for the lawyers for all West Virginia litigants scheduled for February 25^th and 26^th. He said it could be months or years before the county receives any settlement money.

Prior to adjourning, the commissioners acted on the following organizations’ contribution requests”

• The Family Resource Network requested, and received $4000.00 for its student food backpack program
• The Northern Pocahontas County Community Assistance requested and received $5000.00 to build a 12 by 20-foot storage shed at the Senior Center.
• Art in Green Bank requested and received $5000.00 to promote art in the schools.
• The County Historic Landmarks Commission requested and received $5000.00 to place into reserve for anticipated maintenance emergencies.
• The Humane Society of Pocahontas County requested and received $5000.00 to use as a grant match for its Spay and Neuter Program.