The Tyler County Commission convened on Tuesday, March 11 in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne to address county business and hear reports from key officials.

The meeting opened with the approval of the minutes from the February 25, 2025, meeting. Commissioners also reviewed and approved the fiduciary report presented by County Clerk Neil A. Archer and the Exonerations delivered by Stephanie Miller, representing the county assessor’s office.

The meeting began with Charlie Delauder, Tyler County Development Authority, addressing the commissioners regarding the future leadership of the authority. Mr. Delauder urged the commissioners to consider strategic steps for finding a successor for the current executive director, Eric Peters.

Mr. Peters, who has dedicated 26 years to the role, announced his intention to retire within the next 12 to 18 months. “I want to ensure a smooth transition,” Peters stated while outlining his desire to work closely with his eventual placement. He emphasized the importance of selecting a candidate who views the role as a full-time career opportunity, complete with the benefits and retirement provisions the position offers. The commissioners expressed a unified commitment to developing a comprehensive plan to identify and onboard the next leader ensuring the continuity and stability of county operations.

Next, in a bid to improve efficiency and resolve long standing issues, Christy Fulks, Chris Keller and Misty Stoller, all from the county tax office, approached the Commission requesting approval to switch its software service from Compiled Technologies to Global Science Technologies (GST).

Officials cited persistent communication problems with compile technologies as the driving force behind the move. “Solutions to ongoing issues have not been addressed in a timely manner,” a representative explained. The tax office is excited about the new accounting and tax software which promises to eliminate past issues and improve the scheduling of tax bill issuance.

However, the proposal does come with a caveat. The assessor’s office requires access to vehicle identification numbers (VIN), a feature the GST system does not currently offer. GST has assured them they will address this limitation promptly. Meanwhile record books and payroll functions will remain with compiled technologies. Their main reason for the switch is there has been a lack of communication from Compiled.

The transition plan also involves technical adjustments. The switch will necessitate the purchase of a separate server, costing $6082.97 a month while the current server from compiled technologies will continue to serve the clerk’s office. Additionally, the new software will incur a monthly fee of $1600. After reviewing the details, commissioners approved the request, making a significant step toward a more streamlined tax office operation.

Ashley Guiler, Administrator of the Wetzel/Tyler Health Department, spoke to the Commission asking approval for the preferred site for the new health department which will be constructed at the United Methodist Church in New Martinsville on Howard Jeffers Drive. She also asked to start the discussion of County Commission funding. She shared she will be seeking the same approvals at the next Wetzel County Commission meeting. Commission President Eric Vincent stated that the site selection was a good decision by the board and is out of the flood plain with close proximity to the hospital. The Commission approved the new site for the health department.

Tyler County Sheriff Dean Pratt requested an Executive Session to discuss personnel. The Commission went into the session at 9:00 AM and excited the session at 9:41 with no announcement.

Commission President Vincent then asked for approval to renew the lease agreement with the town of Middlebourne for office space for maintenance employees and approval for a change order by WYK Associates in the amount of $2,425,402 for courthouse renovation project. This was for the additional work required to replace the back wall of the old jail house that collapsed, which is basically the cost of a new building and for the extension of the underground utilities

Mr. Vincent noted that the current courthouse has not been remodeled or updated since 1922. He explained that each time the construction crew removes something, they uncover additional problems that need to be fixed, which continues to drive up costs. Commissioners approved both requests.

OEM Director Tom Cooper reported on the Transit Authority progress and shared that the matching cost for the county would be $38,500. He also reported that the cost for the vehicles necessary for the transportation proposal would be paid by the federal government at 80 percent and the state would pick up the remaining 20 percent, so no cost for the county. The discussion was tabled until budget meetings were held later this month.

Logan Sailor reported that as of March 3, 2025, a new Tyler County EMS station has been added at the 4-H grounds. The new station will be called station 60. Station 60 will be staffed with Advanced Life Support providers in the station 24/7/365. He went on to say that Middlebourne and surrounding areas deserve the same level of coverage as Sistersville. Mr. Sailor reminded everyone that if you have a medical emergency to dial 911. Over the last week (7days) TCEMS has responded to 31 calls for an ambulance. They also have responded to 10 mutual aid calls. Eight in Pleasants County and two in Wetzel County. Logan also requested a mutual aid policy that states that any mutual aid call that is received will be answered if it does not leave Tyler County without an ambulance. The TCEMS will not be without coverage at any point. If there is only one ambulance available at the time of the mutual aid call then that ambulance will wait until another is free before responding. The commissioners approved the mutual aid policy.

E-911 Director Josh Fulks asked for approval of the annual fire alarm system inspection at the station at a cost of $1,200 per year. Commissioners approved the request.

Following the approval to pay the bills the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Tyler County Commission is scheduled for March 25, 2025, in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne.