Election, holidays and spay-neuter grant go before Brooke Commission
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WELLSBURG -- Time off and pay for county employees on holidays, matters involving this year's elections and a grant that could help the local animal shelter were among matters before the Brooke County Commission on Tuesday.
County Clerk Kimberly Barbetta noted the county recently adopted the following state holidays for its own local employees: Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 15; President's Day, Feb. 19; Memorial Day, May 27; West Virginia Day, June 20; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, Sept. 2; Columbus Day, Oct. 14; Veterans Day, Nov. 11; Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, as well as Nov. 29; Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 (for which state employees will receive a half-day off); and Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
It was noted the county courthouse and other county offices will be closed on those days.
Commission President A.J. Thomas confirmed the commission also has adopted Juneteenth, June 19.
Barbetta noted the holiday has not been officially named a state holiday, but since it was declared a federal one, Gov. Jim Justice has declared it as such closer to that date.
Thomas said in anticipation of that, the commission will adopt it also.
He said while the governor also has called for half-days on dates preceding holidays, such action for county employees will be at the discretion of the commission.
Jeff Luck, deputy director of the county's ambulance service, asked when a half-day holiday is declared, how that will affect pay for emergency personnel working shifts that begin on one day and end on another.
Thomas replied, "That's a good question. And it sounds like various counties handle it differently."
He acknowledged one answer is for emergency personnel to be compensated for the time they worked on the holiday, but he said the commission will seek input from the state auditor on the issue.
County Commissioner Stacey Wise added the commission is in the process of updating the county's personnel handbook to address such issues.
In other business, Barbetta announced the filing period for candidates in this year's elections has begun and will continue until noon Jan. 27.
During that time, individuals may file for several elected county positions at the elections office of the county courthouse.
Offices that will appear on this year's ballots and their required filing fees are: one seat on the county commission, $447.22; county prosecuting attorney, $1,163.01; county assessor, $559.79; sheriff, $559.79; county magistrate, $632.50; county surveyor, $10; two seats on the county school board, $25; and conservation district supervisor, $10.
In related business, the commission approved a budget revision reflecting the City of Weirton's reimbursement of $43,995 for the purchase of six electronic voting machines to be used there when the city's election is held for the first time in conjunction with the county's general election on Nov. 5.
The city won't hold a primary election this year, so winners of all city races will be decided on that date.
The city reimbursed the county earlier for the services of a part-time, contractual worker in the county's election office who aided County Election Clerk Sara Delong in making changes to voter registrations and precincts to accommodate the addition of Weirton's election.
The commission also was advised Donna DeJaro, director of the county's animal shelter, is preparing an application for a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that may be used for spaying and neutering cats and dogs adopted from the facility.
In November, Steve Tennant, a local member of the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia, suggested the commission apply to the grant program, which is supported by a surcharge paid by pet food producers who sell their product in the state.
Tennant added an anonymous donation of $5 million helped to kick off the program, which has provided grants to 10 West Virginia counties, including Hancock.
He said the county may apply for up to $25,000 to support the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats adopted from the shelter, which is required by state code.
Thomas said earlier the grant would help to address an overpopulation of cats at the shelter.
In related business, Tennant acknowledged the death on Dec. 20 of Wayne Buxton, a 10-year member of the Brooke Hills Park board and founding member of Brooke County Animal Advocates, a volunteer group that held events at area pet supply stores to encourage the adoption of dogs from the animal shelter and donated many supplies to the facility.
He noted Buxton had been a regular attendee at the commission's meetings and was always forthright in sharing his opinions.
The commissioners had commented on the loss of Buxton at a recent meeting.
Also on Tuesday, the commission appointed Nanci Walker to the Brooke Hills Park board and reappointed Kenny Fletcher and Julia Barnhart to the same board.
Thomas said the commission and representatives of the park interviewed several excellent candidates for the board and will keep those not selected in mind for future vacancies.