The Tyler County Commissioners pose with Sara Smith.

The Tyler County Commission held its regular meeting Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in the senior center cafeteria in Middlebourne. The session opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, followed by approval of the July 8 meeting minutes, Fiduciary report, and Exonerations.

Tyler County Commissioners have officially signed a proclamation in support of the West Virginia “Goes Purple” initiative, a statewide effort to raise awareness about mental health and substance use disorders.

During the commission’s meeting, Sarah Smith spoke on behalf of Tara Mayson, founder and director of the Hope Dealer Project, urging the commissioners to support the initiative. West Virginia “Goes Purple” is held each September in coordination with National Recovery Month and focuses on promoting understanding, celebrating recovery, and recognizing the resilience of individuals overcoming addiction.

West Virginia is the first state in the nation to adopt the initiative statewide. The color purple symbolizes the struggle faced by individuals, families, healthcare providers, and law enforcement as they combat the opioid crisis and work toward recovery in their communities.

By signing the proclamation, Tyler County has officially joined the effort, showing solidarity with the statewide movement and supporting those in recovery.

Tyler County EMS Director Logan Sailor requested personnel changes, which the commission approved. Joshua Bowen will transition from full-time to part-time status effective July 22. Additionally, the commission approved the hiring of Charles Boston as a paramedic starting July 24, along with two other employees who recently obtained paramedic license. This brings the total number of paramedics in the county EMS to 17.

The commission also approved the purchase of a software filing system proposed by FA O’Toole Office Systems. The $949,712.92 project will serve the circuit clerk, assessor, PA OCF, and sheriff’s department.

The Tyler County Commission has approved a change order for the ongoing renovation of the Tyler County Courthouse. James Swiger of WYK Associates requested approval for Change Order No. 8, totaling $147,069, to replace a collapsed tunnel beneath the courthouse. The new tunnel will be constructed from solid concrete and include lighting.

In other business, commissioners voted to reschedule their next regular meeting. Originally set for August 12, the meeting will now take place on August 8 at 9 a.m. in the auditorium of the senior center in Middlebourne. The change was made to accommodate a mandatory training session that commissioners are required to attend on the original date.

The Tyler County Commissioners approved the purchase of a new vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Shannon Huffman requested authorization to buy a Ford Ranger from Stephens Auto at a cost of $34,889. The commissioners approved the request. The new vehicle will replace a current vehicle with over 100,000 miles and beginning to have problems.

There was no one present for public comment and the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Tyler County Commission is now on August 8, 2025 in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne.