NORTH
WHEELING
The two sides of the recent dispute in pay between the Ohio County Commission and Ohio County Sheriff’s deputies released statements Thursday addressing their satisfaction with the resolution that was reached.
The deputies had filed three lawsuits against the commission in Ohio County Circuit Court claming several issues with pay procedures, pandemic pay and sick time. That dispute was settled this past week.
“The Ohio County Sheriff’s Deputies are the backbone of public safety in Ohio County,” said attorney Teresa Toriseva, who represented the deputies, in a Thursday joint statement with county commission attorney Bill Wilmoth of Steptoe & Johnson. “The foundational support the civilian members provide allows the deputies on patrol to do their jobs effectively.
“The back pay award fixes some of the discrepancies in compensation that have occurred in the past,” she continued, “and the raises for all members of the Sheriff’s office ensure the department can keep the deputies it has and recruit new ones in the future.”
Wilmoth commented on the crucial work the county’s deputies and civilian employees provide, and the commission’s appreciation of that work.
“The County Commission values the Ohio County deputies, their law enforcement responsibilities and the job they do every day,” Wilmoth said.
— The Intelligencer/ Wheeling News-Register
NORTH Central
CLARKSBURG
Clarksburg City Council met Thursday evening for a regular session and passed an ordinance granting a 10-year business and occupation tax break for retail businesses that locate in previously vacant buildings downtown.
Under the ordinance, qualifying businesses will get a total waiver of B&O taxes for five years, then a 50% waiver for five more years.
Mayor Jimmy Marino said the tax break will be a boost for bringing business downtown.
“We’ve had a lot of discussion about this with the city attorney, the finance director and so forth. ... It’s the most lucrative tax break in the state. We feel it will generate some interest in downtown,” Marino said.
“Sometimes you’ve got to go outside of the box and make it where it looks like we’re giving away the farm, but at the same time we’ve got to get creative and do that. So I commend this council,” he said.
Also at Thursday’s meeting, council voted to approve an ordinance that will put in place an attendance policy for members.
Originally proposed by Councilman Will Hyman, the ordinance allows council to discuss disciplinary action for any member who violates its terms, specifically for missing more than a few meetings in a row without a valid excuse.
Opponents of the ordinance spoke against it; they favored leaving the removal of a council member to voters through the typical recall process.
— The Exponent Telegram
EAST
MARTINSBURG
A water rate increase will go into effect July 2 for Berkeley County Public Service Water District (BCPSWD) customers following its approval by the Berkeley County Council during Thursday’s meeting.
Council members took action on the increase after hearing concerns from the public during two hearings held May 11.
Berkeley County Administrator Alan Davis introduced the agenda item to the council. He informed its members that the proposal was reworked to omit the creation of a “bulk water” customer classification.
“The primary objection, as you know, to the proposed rate was the change in the bulk rate,” he said.
Davis explained he was able to speak with Jim Ouellet, BCPSWD executive director, following the public hearings.
“After the hearing . . . I had some correspondence with Jim,” Davis said. “I explained to him that it appeared to be the consensus from the council that they understood the need for the increase, and they were in support of the increase, that the big stumbling block appeared to be the pretty substantial increase to the bulk rate.”
Davis added that he spoke with Hoy Shingleton, district counselor, as well, saying that Shingleton was in agreement to remove any reference to “bulk rate” from the proposed tariff.
— The Journal
SOUTH
BECKLEY
The Beckley Common Council has approved a $120,000 contribution to Raleigh County Schools to aid with construction costs associated with the new Stratton Elementary School.
The measure was only opposed by Beckley councilman Kevin Price, who said the amount was equivalent to what the contractor would have paid in B&O (business and occupation) tax.
“I wasn’t against giving to the school, but it just looked to me as if it was a reduction in tax,” Councilman Price said.
The vote took place during a regular council meeting on May 9.
According to a letter provided to The Register-Herald, Raleigh Schools Supt. David Price reached out to Beckley Mayor Rob Rappold in March requesting $120,000 to help “complete some of the final phases” of the Stratton construction project.
“Recognizing the benefits of a new Stratton Elementary in the City of Beckley, the knowledge of the significant contribution of B&O taxes and economics that this project has had on the city, RCBOE (Raleigh County Board of Education) respectfully requests the City of Beckley consider a $120,000 funding appropriation; which will allow RCBOE to complete some of the final phases of this project,” the letter states.
— The Register-Herald
OHIO VALLEY
RAVENSWOOD
A large grassy area in Ravenswood is waiting for its transformation.
Thanks to the vision of Katrena Ramsey and fellow members of the Ravenswood Board of Parks and Recreation, this transformation has already begun. A groundbreaking took place on May 12 and electrical work started sooner than expected.
It is hard to describe everything that Veterans Park will become with the design by Pickering Associates and the work of general contraction Phoenix Associates. But one thing is sure, the words that have almost become a cliché, ‘something for everyone’, are exactly what this area will be.
Ramsey shared a few of the plans for what is called a playground but is so much more.
Near the Ravenswood Branch of the Jackson County Library will be the toddler toys and a reading area. There will be a skate park, adult fitness equipment, badminton and volleyball courts, a picnic area with grills, merry-go-rounds, climbing apparatus, and a walking path.
“And we’ll have a bank of swings,” Ramsey said. “When I say swings, I mean all different kinds. There will be tires, front facing, handicapped accessible, really all the fancy kinds. And we’ll have fun things for those with visual or sensory issues.”
— Jackson Newspapers
METRO VALLEY
CHARLESTON
Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday the Get Paid to Pay it Forward campaign, compensating drivers for transporting individuals to substance use treatment.
This initiative, part of the Jobs & Hope West Virginia Program, addresses the transportation challenges faced by people seeking substance use treatment, especially in rural areas of the state with limited public transit options.
“The drug epidemic is a real problem that could have brought this entire state to our knees economically and socially,” Justice said. “But Jobs & Hope WV is doing an amazing job and really saving lives. This is tough stuff, and we need more help, but it’s worth it. The people of West Virginia are worth it.
“So, we’ve designed this service to help people. We’re incentivizing everybody to step up and let the world know that we have this program available and that we’re going to keep doing good. We have a lot of successes to report but we still have lots and lots to do.”
The campaign welcomes anyone to sign up as a driver, but it also encourages individuals in recovery to apply as contract workers through Modivcare. These drivers will be paid per mile and can choose the assignments they accept, offering single trips or recurring rides.
To become a transportation provider, visit HELP4WV.com or contact wv.idprocess@modivcare.com for more information.
— WV News
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