Bryan Owens of Sistersville, a police officer with the Paden City Police Department, was approved by the Tyler County Commission June 10 as the newest addition to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Department.

Owens has been hired to fill a vacancy created when officer Josh Masten resigned. Owens has been to the State Police Academy and has has all the certifications for the job. He was officially hired for the position on June 11.

The commission also approved another term for Shelly West on the Northern Panhandle Workforce Investment Board.

Concerning the Northern Panhandle Workforce Investment Youth Program, Don Yeager presented the board with information on Youth in Action. He said Youth in Action and Northern Panhandle Workforce Investment Board work together to provide opportunities for youth ages 14-21. They help youth learn the essentials in succeeding. He said they help provide that extra encouragement kids need to stay in school, noting they try to link youth to counseling if necessary and find work and volunteer opportunities. Such programs teach youth responsibilities of employment.

He mentioned there are 10 elements of service provided to the youth: tutoring, summer employment, supportive services, occupational skills training, follow-up services, adult mentoring, guidance and counseling, paid and unpaid work experience, leadership development, and alternative education.

Yeager, told the commission he has four youth, all 18 or over, who are available to work for approximately six weeks for summer employment at $8 per hour. He said they can do multiple tasks and if there is anything the commission can do to find them work, it would be appreciated. The commission agreed to hire four youth to work around the courthouse and possibly the 4-H grounds.

John Eckels of Sistersville was reappointed by the commission to another term to the Wetzel-Tyler Health Department Board, beginning July 1 and ending July 1, 2019.

A representative from Onesource Water presented the commission with a proposal for a new water source for the courthouse. He explained that One Source is a bottle-free system and provides a better quality and healthier water. He said their system uses a reverse osmosis which eliminates chemicals and purifies the water. He said they also add calcium, nutrients, and magnesium, which helps purify. He mentioned with this system the customer never runs out of water and they bring the system in and connect it up for the potential customer to use for seven days to see if they are satisfied. Commission President John Stender asked about the cost of the system and was told once the free trial period of seven days was up, they would calculate the amount of water used and the price would be based on that and the amount of machines needed. The commissioners agreed to the trial period and the company said they should be able to have it hooked up by the next week, so the commission can make a decision at the next meeting on June 24.

Stender read a letter about an increase to electric rates from Monongahela Power and Potomac Edison Company of 15 percent. They agreed, as stated in the letter, to post a notice of petition for the public to sign. The rate increase would affect approximately 525,000 customers. It was mentioned the Public Service Commission has ordered the utilities to clean the right of ways and when they do, they always pass the cost on to the public through increases.

Commissioners approved the West Virginia Risk Pool Self-Insurance renewal which provides the insurance for county vehicles and emergency vehicles. It also provides general liability and property liability, plus workers compensation.

Teresa Hamilton, county clerk, presented the delinquent tax records to the commission. She said the real estate amounted to $472,710 and personal property $169,822. She also mentioned the courthouse would no longer be selling hunting and fishing licenses. She said they could be purchased at Tyler Outdoor Supply Store or ordered online.

The commission unanimously approved the budget revisions as presented by Commissioner Eric Vincent, pursuant to the State Auditor’s office approval.

Commissioner Charles (Pork) Smith reported he had been in contact with Bob Miller of Miller Heating and Cooling concerning the air conditioning units which are bad in the courthouse courtroom. He is now waiting to hear back from him.

Vincent said he had made several attempts to contact King Construction on behalf of Valley Plumbing concerning a lift for the air conditioning unit at the magistrate building on the third floor. He said he would try again and if unsuccessful, Dairus Cunningham from Valley would probably have to rent a lift. The hot weather is fast approaching and the third floor which houses the prosecutor’s office is a major concern.

Motion was made and approved to pay all outstanding bills. Commissioners discussed the need for a secure area for the sheriff’s office and prosecutor to store evidence. It needs to be an enclosed area that is secure. A request was made to hire a part-time transcriptionist. Both items were moved to be placed on the next meeting’s agenda.

The next regular scheduled meeting will be held on June 24, 9 a.m., in the commission room in the Tyler County Courthouse.