Mary A. Allen

The Commission conducted its regular session, which included the appointment of the Commission President, Linda Longstreth, and President Pro Tempore, Bobby DeVaul. Key actions involved approving exonerations (Nos. #2026-1 thru 2026-29) recommended by the Assessor and Prosecuting Attorney. The Commission signed several official documents, including an Order to Show Cause regarding delinquent estates, a Report of Delinquent Filings of the Fiduciary Supervisor, an Order Confirming the Probate of Wills, a Settlement Hearing Order, and an Order Confirming and Ratifying Fiduciary Supervisor's Report of Claims and Settlement Reports, and an Order Confirming and Waivers and Short Form Settlement Reports. Advice and consent were granted to the Circuit Clerk to hire two full-time employees effective January 5, 2026. Funding in the amount of $1000.00 was approved for North Marion Jr. Wrestling. During public comment, a candidate for the Senate seat addressed the Commission, and updates were provided on community projects. The session concluded with a Public Hearing to abandon the Alley at 2001 Locust Avenue, which was subsequently approved.

The meeting included the presentation of a Proclamation for National Older Americans Month, which was accepted by the Senior Center Director. The Commission approved several Exonerations (Nos. 2025-163 thru 2025-177) based on the Assessor's recommendation. Further actions included signing orders confirming waivers, short form settlement reports, and the probate of wills. Advice and Consent were granted to the Prosecuting Attorney to hire two new staff members. The Commission noted the submission of the Delinquent 2024 Real Estate Tax List. During public comment, funding for a new ambulance cot for Grant Town EMS was requested, which the Commission agreed to investigate further for future agenda consideration. A special hearing was held regarding the Estate of Berneda R. Hunter, resulting in an order for the County Attorney to prepare documentation allowing a copy of the decedent's Will to be entered into probate.

The primary discussion item concerned the consideration of acquiring outside legal counsel in relation to the lawsuit titled Linda Longstreth v. Ernie VanGilder. Following Commissioner Longstreth's recusal due to a conflict of interest, a motion was passed authorizing the Commission to seek outside legal counsel to represent the Marion County Commissioner VanGilder, Commissioner DeVaul, and County Clerk Julie Kincaid in the matter. President VanGilder clarified that he would personally secure a private attorney with personal funds to represent himself individually in the lawsuit against him.

The Commission addressed several administrative and policy matters. Key actions included the approval of Assessor Mark Trach's recommended Exonerations (Nos. #2024-13 thru #2024-18), the signing of Orders Confirming and Ratifying Waivers and Short Form Settlement Reports, and signing the Order Confirming and Ratifying Fiduciary Supervisor's Report of Claims and Settlement Reports. The Commission approved the appointment of Ballot Commissioners and the membership for the 2024 Election Resolution Board, as submitted by the County Clerk, and accepted the Marion County Clerk's Office Written Policy for the Noncommercial use of the Voter's Registration List, the Electronic Voting Systems Security Policy, and the Emergency Absentee Voting Policy for 2024. Proclamations were presented for Founder's Month (which was deferred for presentation at the celebration), National Stalking Awareness Month, and Human Trafficking Awareness Month. A Resolution was passed establishing the National Day of Prayer as the opening day for Palatine Park. The Commission consented to the hiring of Michael "Jacob" Riffle as a Program Assistant in the WVU Extension Office, noted the hiring of six replacement telecommunicators, and acknowledged reimbursement requests for Victim's Advocate and Community Corrections grants. The resignation of William Ott from the White Hall Public Service District was accepted, and Mark Delligatti was appointed as his replacement. During public comment, information was shared regarding a proposed Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Network Program. The Marion County Board of Education presented a request regarding a $19.9 million bond levy for school improvements to be placed on the May 14, 2024, ballot, though the Commission noted they do not have authority to approve placing such matters on the ballot.

The Commission addressed several administrative and financial matters. Key actions included approving Exonerations presented by the Assessor, signing a Settlement Hearing Order from the Fiduciary Supervisor, and signing Orders Confirming and Ratifying Waivers and Short Form Settlement Reports (#54 and #53). Advice and Consent was granted to the Sheriff for hiring two deputies and to the Circuit Clerk for hiring one full-time replacement and one part-time Deputy Clerk. The Commission approved a request to remove an individual from the County Clerk's office bank account and authorized the County Clerk to submit the Delinquent 2024 Real Estate Tax List to the State Auditor's Office. The Commission also approved requests for continuation of Excess Levies for the Marion County Public Library, Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission (MCPARC), and the Fairmont-Marion County Transit Authority. A revision to the Promissory Note with MCPARC was approved to delay loan payments for one year, which will allow funds to be allocated for a new motor for the wave pool at East Marion Park. Approval was granted for Change Order Number 1 for the Hoglick Industrial Access Road Fund Project and for the Application for 2026 Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority for the Courthouse Roof Replacement Project. The Commission received information regarding an environmental application from American Bituminous Power Partners, L.P., heard the Annual Report from the Marion County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, and received updates from the County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia.