Preston County Commission meeting acknowledges public water need in Tunnelton

Watson said there were seven homes in need of water service, each having its own water well that was drying up.

Additionally, some residents said there was rust present in their water.

Those affected approached the town of Tunnelton for assistance and are now resorting to buying their own water.

A signed letter from the residents was submitted requesting assistance for water service to be extended from the main line to their homes.

The project’s estimated cost to provide all seven homes with water would be $143,000. Watson said this price was to be expected with the rise in general costs.

The construction would require a creek crossing and would implement a 2-inch line to each home.

Those representing Tunnelton requested $33,000 to cover engineering, legal purposes and general starting costs.

Preston County commissioners will deliberate on how to best assist the project and spoke of other sources such as grants and lobbying the state for funding.

Samantha Stone recommended finding assistance through Roberta Baylor, executive director of the Preston County Economic Development Authority, to help spearhead efforts for water grants and to involve other parties to find solutions.

The Preston County Economic Development Authority works with local, regional and state economic development agencies to assist local businesses and improve infrastructure in the county.

Next, Duane Hamilton discussed a fuel account update and budget revision.

Hamilton proposed the Preston County Commission switch from WEX Inc. to FleetCor (gas purchasing card service), which Hamilton said would help save on annual fuel purchases.

Commissioners also authorized Hamilton and Justin Wolf to manage the account for the car fleet without going through the County Commission, effective Nov. 23.

County Administrator Nathan Raybeck discussed a new travel reimbursement policy.

Reimbursement for travel, training, and conferences will be based on U.S. General Service Administration per diem rates for the location of the duty, Raybeck said.

Officials said this change in policy serves as a method to streamline reimbursement to be more accurate for accounting purposes and more dependable for employees.

The policy would provide a daily stipend for travel expenses based on the location of the travel, training, meals and other external costs.

The reimbursement policy will go into effect Dec. 1.

Also:

— The West Virginia Human Rights Association submitted a complaint alleging a discrimination violation. Prosecuting Attorney James Shay will respond. The commission could not comment on the legal matter further.

— Commissioners announced that all county offices will be closed Nov. 10 in observation of Veterans Day.

— Teresa Boylan was approved for the paid position of office kennel assistant at the Preston County Animal Shelter.

— Raybeck recommended looking into more affordable alternative crisis training programs than ALICE training (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) for first responders. Raybeck recommended working with Tim Curry, director of emergency management in Bridgeport, for their Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training. Officials also considered looking for free training programs offered by the FBI. The motion was tabled until all options could be discussed further.

— Commissioners approved $1,730.76 for Panhandle Restoration and Cleaning to create a centralized charging station for the Sheriff’s Office in the mail room.

— Raybeck announced that the County Commission Office was approved for a $100,000 Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority Grant.

— Commissioners announced that they had completed hazard mitigation management training for FEMA requirements.

— An executive session was held to discuss a legal matter.