Tyler County Commission underwent adjustments at its first meeting of 2013, changing John Stender to president, Eric Vincent to vice president, and Charles “Pork” Smith to commissioner. Stender also gave notification that he has been selected to join the W.Va. County Commission Board of Directors.

The procuring of the Maupin Property to serve as a potential annex for the courthouse was addressed with an affidavit prepared by Tyler County PA Luke Furbee. Each commissioner reviewed and signed the affidavit, which serves as a petition for condemnation proceedings.

Commissioners went on to discuss the design of a county seal in honor of Tyler County’s upcoming bicentennial. Though a contest has been proposed, specifics for it have not been decided, and further discussion was tabled until next meeting.

Motions were carried to appoint two new members to the Civil Service Commission: Roger Weese, nominated by the Wetzel-Tyler County Bar Association, and Jim Miller, nominated by the Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

Peggy George of the Middlebourne EMS brought to the attention of the commission a number of 911 calls on Dec. 21 regarding vehicles that slid off the roadway. She suggested the purchase of “slim jims” for police vehicles in order to pry open doors in the event that an infant is locked inside. The commission determined to do research in consideration of procuring such items.

Budget revisions were approved regarding income to the Office of Emergency Management. Funds came from donations made by the Union Bank, the auctioning of a Jeep Grand Cherokee and reimbursements for purchased radios.

According to Tyler County Sheriff Bob Kendle, about three applications have been received so far in response to open dispatcher positions.

A new law going into effect in July mandates that two dispatchers be on shift at all times. “July is going to be here quick,” he said. “We’ve got to get people hired and trained.”

The commission voted to eliminate Bel-O-Mar from its list of committees, citing that the region does not fit their district. Other committees remain the same.

In February, the county commission will meet as a board of equalization and review assessments made by the assessor. Dates and times listed for reviews are as follows: Feb. 1, 5, 8 and 15 at 9 a.m.; Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.; Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.; and Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to closing.

Exonerations and the clerk’s fiduciary report were approved, and bills were paid. The commission will meet again on Tuesday Jan. 22 at 9 a.m.