The Tyler county Commission convened for its regular session on January 28th in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer before commissioners moved to official business.

The minutes from the January 14th 2025 meeting were reviewed and approved. Additionally, commissioners approved the fiduciary report submitted by Neil A. Archer II and the exonerations presented by County Assessor Lisa Jackson.

The first item on the agenda was a funding request from Doug and Theresa Long on behalf of the Main St. Cruisers. The couple requested financial assistance for the purchase of a box trailer to transport the group’s equipment. They presented two bids: one for a single axle trailer priced at $4,500 and another for a double axle trailer priced at $6,199. Teresa Long explained that the group requires the double axle trailer due to it being easier to maneuver. The trailer is used to haul their equipment to fairs and festivals.

Commissioners informed the couple that it is their customary policy not to fund groups like the Main St. Cruisers. However, they encouraged the group to seek financial support from the city of Middlebourne. The commissioners noted that the city received municipal funding from the county for 2025 and could potentially allocate resources to assist the organization.

Next, Josh Fulks, Director of E-911, asked the commissioners for approval to purchase the side by side for snow removal at the E-911 center. The vehicle would also be used by the maintenance crews in Middlebourne. The cost for the vehicle is $31,150 from Bridgeport Equipment. Commissioners approved the purchase.

Commission president Eric Vincent then asked for approval to renew the lease agreement with Will Scott for the eight mobile units now housing the courthouse offices. The request was tabled until the commissioners can compare the new costs to the original costs.

Adrianna Lindsey with THA Realty approached the commissioners regarding the final purchase agreement for the Todd property (Lot 61) adjacent to the courthouse for $50,000. Commissioners approved the final cost, and closing is set for Feb 28, 2025.

Commissioner Lance Hickman next addressed the issue of the vacant seat on the Northern Panhandle Workforce Development Board (NPWDBT). Commissioner Hickman noted that the open position should be filled by a current employee of Marietta Memorial. He asked if the other commissioners had any candidates for consideration. However, with no immediate nominations the commission agreed to table the matter until they could gather and review potential candidates.

Commissioner Mike Smith then read a public statement regarding the EMS legal plan and opened the meeting for discussion. You can read more about the discussion in a related article titled County Commission Discusses EMS Plan in this week’s Tyler Star News.

Following the EMS discussion and approval to pay the bills, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Tyler County Commission is scheduled for February 11, 2025, in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne.