Tyler commissioners discuss the approval of municipal budget for the upcoming fiscal year. TC Commission

Tyler County Commissioners agreed at their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 24, to continue municipal funding, including an additional 15 percent for Middlebourne, Sistersville, Paden City and Friendly.

Commissioner President Eric Vincent opened the discussion on municipal funding for the upcoming fiscal year. He stated he would support the same funding level as was provided last year, but was open to a 10 to 15 % increase. Over the past four years the commission has given Sistersville $90,000. Paden City $75,000, Middlebourne $75,000, and Friendly $60,000.

During discussions about the funding commission VP Mike Smith said he would be in favor of adding 10 or 15 percent to the support to use towards park and recreation improvements. “I think the communities know better on how it needs to be spent,” said Smith.

President Vincent said, “Our vision and policy has been that whatever activity it is, it needs to benefit all Tyler County citizens, and not just a community.”

Vincent added he agrees with Mike that the cities know better what’s going on i n their communities than the commissioners do, so it would be better allowing them to spend the money where they need it.

Approval was given for renewal of the support contract, Global Science Technologies at a monthly fee of $1,405. Approved by full commission.

Change Order #4 was discussed concerning additional work on courthouse basement floor work. The increase in order is $27,500. Commission approved.

Tina Rucker representing 5 Loaves Food Pantry explained to the commission that the pantry has been working for 3 ½ years to help those in the county that have needs beyond their capacity, veterans and the needy. The pantry is open twice a month and operated by 16 volunteers. Rucker requested $30,000 from the commission to operate for the upcoming year.

“We feed a lot of the elderly and a lot of veterans, a lot of people like us as well, and a lot of families, grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren,” said Rucker.

She said those people are like family. “If they have problems, we talk with them and pray with them”

She added they have fed 105 people in Tyler County, of which 24 were children. She said 27 percent of the people they help are in Tyler County.

President Vincent stated the commission would need some time to study the request and would advise her in the future of their decision.

Sara Ingram-Soles, director of the newly formed Tyler County Substance Abuse Coalition spoke to the commissioners about the need for a County wide Quick Response Team.

“We have been working with West Virginia’s state level prevention coalition, Health and Folk West Virginia. They are assisting us in getting started and we have been collaborating with 10 other coalitions across the state,” said Ingram-Soles.

“Those coalitions were developed around 10 years ago in response to the opioid epidemic, “ she added.

She said one of the first was started in Huntington, and now there are in over 20 counties.

This group would provide a response to drug related emergencies by being prepared to deal with such situations. It was stated, in county’s where these programs are in place, emergency officials report an improvement in the outcome of situations they responded to.

“The team will reach out personally to the residents in 24 to 72 hours after an overdose to assess each individual’s need. They will develop a personalized plan and connect them to local resources. It’s important to reduce the stigma that surrounds substance abuse and mental health issues,” she added.

Ingram-Soles said there would be a need for funding to get the program off the ground.

“There are state and federal grants available, but most are reimbursement grants, and that means you will need some startup money to get going. The grants will provide a way to sustain and maintain funding. “

Commissioner Vincent moved to table the discussion at this time.

Change Order #4 was discussed concerning additional work on the courthouse basement floor work. The increase in order is $27,500 and was approved by the commission.

Approval of June 10 and 18th meeting minutes. Both commissioner’s present and Lance Hickman by phone approved the meeting minutes.

County Clerk Neil Archer II submitted a fiduciary report for approval. All members approved his report.

Tyler County Assessor Lisa Jackson submitted requested exonerations. The commissioner approves all of Jackson’s requests.

Bills for the month were approved. Budget revisions were approved. Meeting adjourned. The next regular scheduled meeting of the Tyler County Commission is Tuesday, July 14, at 9 am. Meetings are held at the Tyler County Senior Center, 504 Cherry Street in Middlebourne.