SEEKING HELP — Representatives of the Hancock, Brooke and Ohio Counties Victim Assistance Program, Everett Mace and Brandon Kaufman, at left, appeared before the Brooke County Commission Tuesday morning, asking for financial support for the organization. -- Craig Howell

WELLSBURG — Representatives of an agency which works to assist the victims of crime in the area appeared before the Brooke County Commission Tuesday morning with a hope for assistance for themselves.

Everett Mace and Brandon Kaufman of the Hancock, Brooke and Ohio Counties Victim Assistance Program to request the possibility of financial support from the county to fund the organization’s programs.

For more than 25 years, the VAP has worked to provide support for victims of crime in the three counties it serves, securing funds to treat injuries, arrange counseling, cover the costs of travel and even provide guidance in applying for financial aid.

According to Mace, who serves on the organization’s board, officials in Hancock and Ohio counties have agreed to provide funding, but stipulating it only be used for services in their respective counties.

“That kind of left us in a jam,” Mace explained, noting Brooke County has been operating primarily through the support of its portion of grant funding and some fundraisers.

He said Brooke County could use additional support for counseling services, as well as the purchase of technology upgrades.

Kaufman, who oversees Brooke County’s services, estimated he currently works with around 50 individuals a year, although he admitted not having the exact figures.

“They get put in with the entire system,” he said, noting he would have to look through their records to provide commissioners with a more precise number.

Much of the funds for the program have been derived from the federal Victims of Crime Act fund, supported with fines and court costs paid by convicted offenders.

The commission made no commitment of funds Tuesday, saying a review of funding would be needed.

“We’ll have to look at our budget and see what’swhat,” explained Commission President A.J. Thomas.

However, officials did offer assistance in helping to get the word out about the program.

“It’s a great program. It’s a useful program,” observed county Prosecutor Joe Barki, recommending the two check to make sure information and applications are available in the County Magistrate Court offices.

Christina White, 911 director, noted information also had been available at one time in the Sheriff’s Office.

In other business, Tuesday, the commission:

Approved the resignation of Nile Cline as a deputy with the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department, effective Aug. 15.

Approved the resignation of Adam Eckersberg from the 911 Center, noting his last day was July 17;

Approved the hiring of Laura Woodruff as a part-time, on-call employee of the Brooke County Animal Shelter, effective Aug. 18, with the start date pending approval from the county’s bookkeeping service.

Approved a petition to reopen the estate of June Bufford Cipoletti regarding pending litigations. Thomas abstained from the vote.

Approved the purchase of a server for the Tax Office, at a cost of $6,435.66, with funding coming from a Special Projects line item in the Sheriff’s Office budget;

Received information from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority concerning a New Equipment Financing Program to support business retention.