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Tyler County Commission Approves Requests

By Randy Rutherford - Staff Writer | Sep 4, 2024

The Tyler County Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer the Commission approved the minutes of the August 16, 2024, meeting. Also approved were the Fiduciary Report and Exonerations.

First up on the agenda was Stephen A. Clark from the Small Business Administration outlining the Small Business Disaster Loan process and how counties qualify. Mr. Clark explained how the Presidential Disaster Declaration regarding the severe weather that took place on April 11 and 12, 2024, would operate in the county. Tyler County has available to them from the SBA, disaster loans based on the amount of damage that occurred in counties adjacent to Tyler. It is assumed that small businesses and non-profits may have experienced disruptions in their services because of the weather. Disruptions could be things like suppliers not able to get to the businesses, road damage or customers not being able to get to the businesses. As a result, they may be eligible for disaster loans. The application deadline for these loans is April 3, 2025. The interest rate for these loans is 3.25 percent for non-profits while 4 percent is assigned to for-profit businesses. Terms can be as long as 30 years. The loans can be up to $2,000,000 depending on the number of disruptions and working capital needed. A source for additional information is the West Virginia Small Business Development Center. There are business consultants available in the center to help anyone needing assistance with the application process and determining the amount of money they can receive. This service is pre-paid. For more information visit www.sba.gov or call 800-827-5722.

Next up was Mr. Tom Cooper, OEM Director, requesting Commissioners sign the 2022 EMPG Grant award letter. Commissioners approved the request.

Logan Sailor, Tyler County EMS Director, asked the Commissioners to approve the Paramedic Tuition Reimbursement contract for Joshua Swisher. Joshua is currently taking classes to fulfill the requirements to become a Paramedic. The Commission will pay or reimburse the cost of tuition of the accredited educational program until such program is successfully completed on behalf of the paramedic candidate, not to exceed $7,951. Once the candidate becomes duly licensed and certified, the candidate agrees that he or she will practice paramedicine in an emergency ambulance service of Tyler County for a period of no less than five (5) years from the date the paramedic candidate becomes licensed and certified. Failure to do so or failure to complete any of the required licenses will result in the candidate being forced to repay the Commission any and all expenses they incurred during the candidate’s accreditation process.

The distribution of the 2024 fire protection fund which contains $13,421.50 will be determined soon explained Commission President Mike Smith. Mr. Smith went on to ask for approval of the renewal WVCORP Volunteer Accident Policy in the amount of $335.00 that is due on October 1, 2024. Commissioners approved the request. Commissioners then approved, at the request of Mr. Smith, the WesBanco Administrative Service agreement (HSA Cards) for benefit cards. Commissioners also approved the administrative service agreement, the adoption agreement and the plan documents.

Under Correspondence, Commission President Mike Smith read a letter from the Paden City Development Authority that they have locked in a price of $140,000 for seven lots in Paden City and the corner of Route 2 and East Main Street for possible consideration for the re-location of the Health Department.

Under Public Comment, Commissioner Lance Hickman reported that he recently attended a meeting with state officials regarding the replacement of the bridge at the 4 H Camp. However, what seemed like something that would happen quickly, the state is now saying the project is projected for completion between 2026 and 2030.

Finally, Commissioner Eric Vincent thanked all the First Responders for their action during the recent well pad fire.

Following public comment, the meeting was adjourned at 9:34 AM. The next scheduled meeting of the Tyler County Commission is scheduled for September 10, 2024, in the auditorium of the Senior Center at 9 AM.