Mike Kraley

The Commission conducted various administrative actions including signing orders for the confirmation of probate of wills, the ratification of waivers and short form settlement reports, and a settlement hearing order. A Fair Housing Resolution was adopted, and a first reading was held for an ordinance to amend emergency telephone system rates. The Commission approved the initiation of a public hearing for a proposed annexation by the City of Fairmont. Furthermore, the Commission authorized a planning study requisition, approved the reappointment of a member to the Monumental Public Service District, and formally approved the ballot for the upcoming primary election, including designations for early voting locations. Public comment addressed concerns regarding property stabilization for a mobile home park and a request for financial assistance for Marion County Meals on Wheels.

The Commission addressed several administrative and operational items. They approved tax exonerations, accepted various fiduciary and settlement reports, and authorized the hiring of two replacement transport officers. Financial approval was granted for the Idamay Improvement Association to address storm culvert repairs. Additionally, the Commission approved the reappointment of a member to the Valley Falls PSD Board of Directors, reviewed grant reimbursement requests for community corrections and victim advocacy programs, and heard a public comment regarding a river blockage management agreement.

The Commission addressed a variety of administrative and operational agenda items, including the ratification of fiduciary reports, claims, and settlement documents. Formal actions included signing a proclamation for Red Cross Month, approving the hiring of full-time Deputy Assessors, and authorizing a budget resolution for the Coal Severance Fund. The Commission heard updates regarding road development at the Industrial Park and received organizational reports from the Disability Action Center, the Marion Regional Development Corporation, and the WVU Extension Agency. Several items were tabled for future consideration, including a borrow and waste agreement for a shooting range and a public service district appointment. The Commission also reviewed the county's annual financial statement for the previous fiscal year.

Key discussions during the session included tabling the opening of Courthouse Technology & Cybersecurity Support Proposals pending departmental review. The Commission signed several orders related to probate of wills, waiver confirmations, settlement hearings, and filing petitions for an estate hearing reset for November 13, 2024. The Commission also approved the Order on Fiduciary Supervisor's Report and Notice on Delinquent and Unprogressed Estates, and reviewed a list of delinquent settlements. A request for reimbursement from the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services for the Victims Advocate Grant was noted. The Commission approved $5,000 for the Tygart Valley United Way. Public comments included a request for $75,000 total for stadium renovations from the Board of Education, which was noted as not properly placed on the agenda, and a request from the Fairmont Morgantown Housing Authority for $55,000 to maintain the Housing Navigator position. Finally, the County Clerk provided updates regarding the upcoming General Election, including machine testing and early voting schedules.

The Commission recognized and presented Keys to the County to the East Fairmont High School Girl's Soccer Team for their State Championship achievement, and to the East Fairmont 4th Grade Girls Basketball team for winning their county championship. The Commission approved several routine administrative items, including the signing of Exonerations, an Order Confirming Probate of Wills, and various Settlement Reports. Key actions included the designation of the Marion Regional Development Corporation as the lead economic developer for the county and the approval to sign a Contract Agreement for the Courthouse roof repair project ($100,000 project with an 80/20 split grant). The Commission also approved signing the Fee Proposal for Site Master Planning and Building Programming Services related to the Appalachian Regional Commission Grant for the Clean Fuel Services Institute, and an Agreement with the West Virginia Conservation Agency concerning stream restoration efforts. Furthermore, the Commission approved scheduling a public hearing regarding the request to abandon the alley at 2001 Locust Avenue, approved a request for Opioid Funds to purchase a new transport van, and granted Advice and Consent for several new hires across the Sheriff's department and E911. Funding of $13,000 was granted to the Town of Worthington for Sanitary Sewer Systems Upgrades, and $2,300 was granted to the Greater Council of Churches for their basketball league. The 2026 Holiday Schedule was approved, and the CVB audit was presented.