Barbour County Commission Meets

The Barbour County Commission convened last Monday, December 4, at 5 p.m. for a session filled with discussions ranging from amendments to ordinances to community awards and charitable contributions.

The meeting commenced with the second reading of the Barbour County Address and Mapping Ordinance amendment, followed by the approval of the minutes and discussions on various appointments, settlements, and exonerations.

One of the notable highlights was the presentation of the Emergency and Crisis Management Exemplary Community Award to Mr. Freeman and Mr. Gore from Arch Coal. The company, a past winner of the award, was recognized for its outstanding commitment to safety and community preparedness. In 2022, Arch Coal conducted a major disaster scenario, a feat believed to be the only one among mining operators in North America.

Their collaborative efforts with the local fire department, ranging from tabletop exercises to mock drills, were highlighted as exemplary in ensuring the safety of both employees and the community. Arch Coal's safety record was also lauded, with 618 employees and an impressive 302 days without injuries. If the trend continues until December 31, Arch Coal would become the first mine within the company to win the prestigious Presidential Safety Award. Governor Justice, who recently visited the mine, declared it the safest mine in the state of West Virginia.

The Commission also addressed matters of community support that involved a contribution to the Shop With Cop program, aiming to benefit up to 25 children. With seven to eight additional kids on the waiting list, the Commission approved a $1,000 donation to cover those awaiting assistance. Additionally, the Justice Assistance Grant of just under $20,000 was secured for a Resource Prevention Officer, with plans to explore additional funding to hire another officer capable of visiting multiple schools.

The Barbour County OEM report highlighted the successful final walkthrough of the AB campus by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). All concerns previously identified have been addressed, and the OEM requested an accessory for the 911 Vehicle, a brush guard to enhance vehicle safety.

Other items discussed included the consent to hire an Administrative Assistant for the Barbour County Extension Service, focusing on local individuals with management experience and familiarity with local 4H programs. The consideration of purchasing a playground unit for the Galloway community, utilizing coal severance funds, was also on the agenda.

The most important item on the agenda was an ongoing discussion about the status of Barbour County EMS. The consulting firm that was hired by the Commission to assess the situation gave the presentation (more on it can be read in the article about EMS in another article on our website).

The next scheduled meeting of the Barbour County Commission is set for December 15 at 9 a.m.