The Tyler County Commission met Tuesday, July 30, in the auditorium of the senior center in Middlebourne. After approving the minutes of the June 9, 2026 meeting, the fiduciary report and exonerations, commissioners heard from Sharon Campbell of the Wetzel-Tyler Chamber of Commerce, who requested funding for building repairs and upgrades.

Campbell requested $27,500 to complete electrical work and parking lot repairs at the chamber’s new location in New Martinsville. She said the Wetzel County Commission approved $47,500 because Wetzel County represents more than 60 percent of the businesses the chamber serves, while Tyler County represents 36 percent. Commissioner Mike Smith asked how the chamber planned to use the 3,900-square-foot facility, noting it does not need the entire space. Campbell said additional offices will be rented to young entrepreneurs starting businesses, generating income for the chamber. The remaining space will serve as a community hub where organizations can hold meetings. Commissioners approved the request.

Next, OEM Director Tom Cooper requested commissioners approve final paperwork for the 2024 EMPG Grant totaling $19,809, which was approved. Cooper also received approval to purchase two upgraded drones at a cost of $14,976. One drone will be used for underwater searches and the other for aerial operations. Cooper said the new equipment will expand search capabilities, replacing current drones that are more than 10 years old and no longer cover the needed areas.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Elliott asked for approval to terminate the lease for the Bens Ron storage building since it was discovered that the county commission owns the building and is not a part of the current lease. He then asked for a new lease to be created with Eastern Gas Transmission & Storage for the building. Commissioners approved terminating the current lease and drawing up a new lease.

Commission President Lance Hickman explained that the maintenance agreement with H.E. Neumann has increased by $220, bringing the new annual cost to $5,790. Commissioners approved the updated service agreement.

E-911 Director Josh Fulks requested approval of Brandi John’s resignation, effective June 9, 2026. Commissioners approved the resignation.

The Commission tabled approval of the Global Science and Technology (GST) renewal agreement, which runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, pending review by Prosecuting Attorney Luke Furbee.

Tyler County EMS Director Logan Sailor asked for approval to hire Ila Nealey as a part-time paramedic. Commissioners approved the hire.

Commissioner Eric Vincent requested approval to roll over undesignated funds in the CDAR (Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service) account for future use. The funds will be deposited into three accounts: the capital reserve account, the special building account and the rainy-day account. Commissioners approved the rollover.

After approving payment of the bills, the commission adjourned. The next Tyler County Commission meeting will be held July 14 in the auditorium of the senior center in Middlebourne.