Gary Hamrick

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The primary agenda item involved reviewing and discussing organizational matters for the 2026 calendar year, including the election of the President and President Pro Tim. Other organizational topics addressed included setting the hours of operation for the courthouse and general service building, confirming the schedule and deadlines for regular meetings and agenda items, and reviewing the 2026 holiday schedule, with an adjustment made to the closing time on September 4th due to a local festival. The commission also reviewed appointments to boards and committees, opting to keep the existing structure. Furthermore, the commission reaffirmed the appointment of an animal control officer to serve as the humane officer for 2026, clarifying statutory requirements. The agenda concluded with payroll change notices A through M, which involved approving several retirements, one new hire for Parks and Recreation (Michelle Rowan), and processing various personnel changes. A significant point of contention arose regarding the approval of the new Parks and Recreation hire without associated budget or plan documentation.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge, followed by public comments, including a presentation from a recovering addict regarding transportation needs for individuals re-entering society. The commission held a hearing regarding an alley closure for Alfred Cuken, which was approved as the property owner held both sides of the alley and no utilities were present. The consent agenda and payroll change notices (A through C) were approved. A hearing was held concerning the acceptance of a will for James A. Plunin, where it was determined that probate must first occur in Mississippi, as the decedent was a resident there. The commission approved minutes of previous meetings, requisitions/purchase orders (separating item 5A for quotes and 5B for invoices, with one commissioner opposing the purchase of a tree), and an order to show cause against delinquent or unprogressed estates. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing and discussing proposed distributions of opioid funds totaling $36,151,100 to various local organizations, leading to discussion on fund utilization accountability, particularly for personnel-related expenses.

The meeting commenced with a Nuisance Property Hearing, followed by proclamations for National Stalking Awareness Month and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. New business included action items such as public comment, payroll change notices (including the completion of training for a 911 employee), and the approval of minutes from various previous meetings in December 2025 and January 2026. Key financial actions involved considering and approving multiple Project Fund Requisitions related to the Charles Pointe Project and Development District No. 3 White Oaks Project. The Commission also reviewed and considered approval for adopting an Emergency Absentee Policy for the 2026 Election Cycle and appointing Ballot Commissioners. Further discussions covered budget revisions for General County and Vital Services, a Rail Trail Update, approval of Levy Calls for Transit and Vital Services, and correspondence related to WV Alcohol Beverage Control Administration. The agenda also included items on replacing a Commissioner on the Ambulance Authority Board, awarding a bid for 2026 Aerial Photography, Verizon Lease for Grafton Tower, hiring security for the Rail Trail, and reviewing Multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for Parks & Recreation, including security details. Numerous travel requests for 911 employees to attend various training and symposium events in January, February, and March 2026 were also subject to consideration for approval.

The meeting included discussions and proclamations related to various community matters. The commission addressed a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the Ellis property, and went into an executive session to discuss matters affecting the purchase, sale, or lease of property. A copy of a will for Betty Nutter was accepted. A proclamation was made for the 50th anniversary of the Clarksburg Harrison Public Library, and another for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. A request for grant funding was presented to address corroded sewage pipes and a malfunctioning backup generator. The Harrison County Senior Center requested an increase in funding to support transportation services for seniors. The commission also discussed and approved a consent agenda and payroll change notices.

The commission meeting included discussions on various topics, such as public comments regarding taxation of Hillside Christian Academy, updates from the United States Small Business Administration on economic injury disaster loans, and recognition of the director of Harrison County Parks and Recreation for their service. The agenda also involved approval of consent agenda items, payroll changes, and minutes from a previous meeting. Additionally, there were discussions on requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, exonerations, and a project fund requisition for economic opportunity development districts. The commission also reviewed proposals for additional testing at the site of the Royal Chrysler building.