WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Commission agreed to transfer the county’s former probation office for use as the new Wellsburg police station during a meeting Friday that was the last for Commission President A.J. Thomas.

Earlier this week, Wellsburg Council agreed to purchase the probation office at 840 Charles St. for $1.

But Thomas said it’s not necessary for any money to exchange hands for the two-story building in what amounts to an intergovernmental transfer of property.

He said a lease agreement will be proposed for the West Virginia University Extension Service, which continues to operate on its first floor.

The probation department has moved into the county’s judicial center, which is home to the county’s circuit, magistrate and family court facilities.

In 2022, the Wellsburg police station was moved from City Hall, to free up space there, to the former Wellsburg Middle School.

That building was sold by the Brooke County school board last fall to a business specializing in daycare centers and rental space for children’s parties.

City officials had hoped to secure an agreement with the new owner to continue to occupy the building at minimal cost but were unsuccessful.

Wellsburg Mayor Dan Dudley, City Manager Erica Tamburin and Police Chief Mike Allman were on hand to thank the commission for the transfer.

They were among public officials and many others who wished Thomas well as he presided over his last meeting on the county commission.

In August, Thomas submitted his resignation, effective Monday, citing a desire to spend more time with his wife and young children.

On Friday, he reflected on the efforts of fellow commissioners Stacey Wise and Tom Diserio and himself since he was elected in 2019.

Thomas said the public often doesn’t see the long hours put in by public officials and the difficult decisions they must make.

But he said he’s proud to have played a role in the completion of the judicial center, the new ambulance station on Pleasant Avenue and upgrades to the county’s emergency 911 center, among other projects.

He added he will be leaving the county without debt, with the recent early retirement of $9.9 million in bonds sold for the judicial center’s construction.

Thomas thanked county department heads and staff members “for their commitment to serving the people of Brooke County,” his wife, Kelley, and other family members and his associates at the Cipriani & Thomas Law Offices, for their support and the public for allowing him to serve them.

“Public office is temporary. What endures are the institutions we fashion and the foundation we leave behind,” he said.

Wise told Thomas it was an honor to work with him and she appreciated his knowledge, expertise and “heavy lifting” as the three addressed various projects and issues.

Diserio thanked him “for keeping a promise when you first set out, to make this county a better place. You have done that.”

Brooke County Sheriff Rich Beatty thanked Thomas for his efforts and for being a friend.

Following the meeting, Wise and Diserio were asked when they expect to fill Thomas’ seat.

After Thomas submitted his resignation, the commission received letters of interest from Hooverson Heights Fire Chief Rob Carroll, Joey Ewusiak, a leader of local business Ewusiak Development; Tom Ludewig, a former Follansbee councilman and Follansbee Park director; and Christina White, the director of the county’s emergency 911 center.

Diserio said under state code, the commission has 30 days from his last date to do so and it’s his understanding that should he and Wise not agree, it will fall to the executive committee of the local Republican Party to present choices for them to consider.

Wise said completing the budget for the next fiscal year, due to the state auditor’s office later this month, will be the commission’s first priority.

In other business:

�–� The commission was asked by Tyler Schwisow of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to allow county land to be entered as part of an ongoing effort to exterminate the spotted lanternfly.

The insect has been declared invasive because it taps into tree barks, draining them of their nutrients and leaving a sticky substance that attracts mold and other pests.

Schwisow said crews will be seeking tree of heaven, a plant on which many spotted lanternflies feed and also declared an invasive species.

He said to those plants that are less than 5 inches wide will be applied a herbicide affecting only them while those that are larger will be treated with an insecticide that will kill the insects.

The commission agreed to place the request on its next agenda.

�–� Joy Reese, housing counseling program manager for C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc., held a hearing for its administration of the first-time homebuyers program.

Through it, income-eligible first-time homebuyers in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall counties can receive a $10,000 loan toward down payment and closing costs. For those who live in the home at least five years, the loan if forgiven, Reese noted.

For information about the program, call (304) 797-7733 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

�–� It was announced the commission’s next meeting has been moved to 5 p.m. Tuesday.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)