Requirements Proposed for Pocahontas County Courthouse Security Positions

At the short February 20^th Pocahontas County Commission meeting, there was a discussion about the possible requirements for the future courthouse security position which will staff the metal detector and x-ray machine at the only public entrance to the courthouse in Marlinton.

Under these proposed requirements, the applicants must:

• Minimum 21 years old.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or a GED.
• Be able to pass a criminal background check and psychological testing.
• Be physically fit, pass a medical examination and be able to handle climbing up and down stairs.
• Willing to attend and pass the training required by the sheriff, including possible overnight training lasting for up to several weeks.
• Possibly also taking and passing Court Bailiff training.
• Possess good writing skills and good public speaking skills.

Several of these requirements, according to Sheriff Barlow, will need to be discussed with the commissioners in a closed session, for example possibly lowering the minimum age to 18 to accommodate newly graduating high school students. Sheriff Barlow also wanted to discuss with the commissioners whether or not this position will involve carrying a handgun.

He also would not predict what the pay scale for the position since there has not yet been a budget set for the position.

After providing the above information, the commissioners went into a closed Executive Session with the Sheriff to further discuss this position and courthouse security.

Additionally at this commission meeting, the commissioners set the dates for them to meet in work sessions to work-up the fiscal year 24/25 county budget. Those work sessions will be:

• Thursday, March 7, 2024 beginning at 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 11, 2024 beginning at 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, March 14, 2024 beginning at 10:00 a.m. – at which they will meet with the various elected officials of the county government.

They did leave open the option of adding another of these budget work sessions if needed.

The commissioners also approved the hiring of Lee Ryder as a full-time Day Report Officer, starting on March 5^th at a salary of $32,000 per year.