By LISA POST

Staff Writer

Steve Rawlings, representative for the WV County Risk Pool, spoke to Tyler County Commission Tuesday to update members about its program. Tyler County is one of 34 participating counties in the state in the Risk Pool program, which is a member owned and operated insurance provider for property/casualty and workers’ compensation benefits.

“Tyler County has no workers’ compensation claims at this time. Your focus on safety is to be commended,” said Rawlings.

Rawlings informed members that the pool has recently included coverage for county’s who may have an employee face a criminal prosecution. Rawlings explained that the coverage was applicable only if those people who had been accused had been found not guilty.

“As of July 1, 2012, if an elected official or employee is prosecuted and found not guilty, after costs are paid, the Risk Pool will reimburse those costs up to $50,000,” said Rawlings. The added coverage comes at no extra cost. Rawlings also told commissioners their website, www.wvrisk.org, has been updated and relaunched. The new website has incorporated online filing for claims. Another new addition to the program, called Express Scripts, now provides covered members with a free 14 day first fill on any prescription.

“We have added the TULIP program to the website,” said Rawlings. “This coverage is available to third party purchasers, such as vendors at fairs and festivals, who can purchase a $1 million dollar liability short-term policy at a reasonable price.”

“This alleviates risk for the county and the vendor, as well,” said Rawlings. Rawlings concluded his presentation by telling commissioners, “Tyler County has been a great member and partner in the WV Risk Pool.”

Sheriff Earl P. (Bob) Kendle, Jr., requested commissioners consider the purchase of two AED (automated external defibrillator) for the courthouse.

“We have so many people in the building these days,” said Kendle. “I’m worried we’re going to have an incident, and be unprepared for it.”

Commissioners agreed with Sheriff Kendle and requested he explore the costs involved for the purchase.

Sistersville American Legion/Tyler County Boys State representative Chuck Lough appeared before commissioners seeking a contribution for the camp.

“Boys State is a very good opportunity for young men,” said Lough. “It’s a really good program. “

Commissioners agreed to donate funds to send three Tyler County youths to the camp.

OEM Director Tom Cooper told commission the purchase of the new county was underway and delivery was scheduled in approximately four weeks.

Commissioners approved a resolution for authorization to act as fiscal agents for two $2,000 grants, one of which will benefit Tyler County 4-H campgrounds.

Commissioner Eric Vincent attended a recent MOVRC meeting at North Bend State Park and reported that the council is in “very good financial shape.” Commissioners voted to approve a tentative budget for fiscal year 2012-2013, noting that it is subject to approval by the State.

Exonerations and the clerk’s fiduciary report, as well as minutes of the last meeting, were all approved by commissioners. Under budget revisions, an in-house revision of $1,762 was approved for the Tyler-Wetzel Child Advocates Office; another revision, in the amount of $17,585.25, was tabled until it could be ascertained whether the funds belonged in the General Fund or should be allocated to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office.

Representatives from GST Tech Support were given permission by commission to conduct a walk-through of courthouse offices to assess needs for overall technical support and submit a bid at a later time.

The company provides tech support statewide in various county offices.