Todd Gorham

The Commission met to conduct the canvass of election results. Key actions included setting the bond amount for a recount and selecting a precinct for a hand count. The Commission reviewed and voted on numerous provisional and absentee ballots across multiple precincts, deciding to accept or reject them based on voter registration status, party affiliation, and adherence to voting procedures. The session concluded with the formal acceptance of the canvass.

The commission addressed several key topics including the approval of financial items such as accounts payable, manual checks, payroll, and requisitions. The meeting featured presentations from the County Assessor regarding exonerations and apportioned bills, and from Parks and Recreation concerning youth sports facilities. The commission passed a resolution supporting youth sports, conducted a public hearing and approved a zoning map amendment for the Shepherdstown District, discussed a bonding waiver request for Burr Business Park, and appointed members to the Agritourism Task Force. Additional actions included the approval of a deputy sheriff hire, the purchase of three agricultural conservation easements, a resolution of support for Shenandoah Valley Battlefields, and various budget adjustments and grant applications. Executive sessions were held to receive legal advice on litigation and personnel matters, and a proclamation was approved recognizing Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.

The commission held a special session to lay the levy for the upcoming fiscal year, authorizing the County Clerk to sign the necessary rate sheet and forward documentation to the State Auditor. Additionally, the commission deliberated on the composition of the Planning Commission, including potential ordinance amendments and board appointments, ultimately directing the county administrator to issue letters of appointment for members selected at a prior session following an executive session held to receive legal advice.

The meeting included the approval of accounts payable, payroll, and requisitions. Key staff members were honored for their years of service. The commission held a fiduciary review, closed an estate, and addressed various personnel actions, including the conversion of a bailiff to a full-time position and the hiring of staff for emergency services. Appointments were made to the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission. Additionally, the commission approved amendments to the leave donation and performance appraisal policies, updated the assistant chief position description, changed a future meeting date, proclaimed Foster Care Awareness Month, engaged in opioid litigation, and adopted a consolidated dog ordinance.

The meeting included the approval of various financial items, including accounts payable, manual checks, payroll, and requisitions. The Commission approved the hiring of a new Director of Economic Development. Key actions included the approval of poll worker lists for the 2026 Primary Election, authorization for a Request for Qualifications to solicit a commercial real estate brokerage firm, adjustments and exonerations for ambulance fees, and approval of budget adjustments. Additionally, the Commission approved a Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative grant application, held a public hearing for the Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium resulting in a resolution approval, and received legal updates regarding the Charles Town Utility Board and ongoing litigation during an executive session.