Hancock County employees to receive pay increases

NEW CUMBERLAND - Hancock County employees will be going into the new year with a little extra in their paychecks.

As part of their meeting Wednesday morning, Hancock County commissioners approved a proposal to provide increases in pay for all county workers.

"The commission has spent a lot of time reviewing our salaries," Commissioner Jeff Davis explained. "We all feel we need to do something to help them out."

In particular, Davis noted county sheriff's deputies, on average, make $4 an hour less than those of some other nearby departments.

Beginning Jan. 1, county employees will see an increase in their pay of $1 an hour, with county sheriff's deputies receiving an increase of $2 an hour.

Commission President Paul Cowey said the commission would have liked to provide a larger increase in pay, but they want to make certain the county can cover the expense. He said additional discussions could take place in the future.

"We have to take one day at a time," Cowey said.

Commissioner Eron Chek said the hope is the pay increase will provide more incentive for current employees to stick around, explaining there are additional costs incurred each time the county has to fill an employee vacancy.

Davis said the commission also wants to make it clear the pay increases will not be for any of the elected officials in the county, with Chek adding those decisions are made by the state Legislature.

In other business Wednesday, the commission:

Observed a moment of silence in memory of former Hancock County Circuit Clerk Chuck Wright, who died Dec. 11.

Approved a proposal to distribute the county's remaining $11,484 in COVID-19 Pandemic County Block Grant funds to the Brooke County Committee on Aging, Chester-Newell FISH and the Community Bread Basket.

Approved a proclamation declaring Jan. 23-29, 2022 as Hancock County School Choice Week

Heard from Nick Travis, president of Hancock County Parks and Recreation Board, about the board's 1920's-themed "Putting on the Ritz" fundraiser, to be held Jan. 29 at the Kosciuszko Hall in Weirton.

Received a request from Jami Poole, president of the Mountaineer Park Benevolent and Protection Association for a financial contribution to assist with the purchase of fitness equipment for the horses at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort

Agreed to advertise for candidates to fill a vacancy on the Hancock County Public Service District, for a term expiring Feb. 24, 2028

Approved a contract with the West Virginia Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority for $100,000 to assist with the installation of a new roof on the main courthouse

Established 2022 meeting dates for the county Board of Equalization and Review

Established meeting dates for the county commission in 2022.

Approved the county's holiday schedule for 2022, noting the possibility the observance of Juneteenth may need to be added.

Approved the yearly Beaver Valley Power Station Grant agreement with Energy Harbor Nuclear Corp.

Agreed to advertise for the hiring of a deputy clerk position in the County Clerk's Office

Agreed to pay the accrued vacation time for Sandy Casto, who recently was appointed to the post of circuit clerk.

Approved the transfer of Stephanie Wuebbles from the county clerk's office to an open deputy clerk post in the county assessor's office

Approved the hiring of John Michael Cox and Colin Stanley as bailiffs at the courthouse.