The Tyler County Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne. Commission approved the minutes from the October 8, 2024 regular meeting and the October 15, 2024 special meeting. Also approved were the Fiduciary Report and the Exonerations.

First up on the agenda was E-911 Director Josh Fulks asking for approval to hire Andrew Weekley to a part time position as a dispatcher. Commissioners approved the hire. Josh also explained the new towing policy for the 911 Center that was reviewed and corrected at the 911 Advisory Board Meeting. The new policy gives preference to those companies who are licensed through the PSC in Tyler County. B&R Salvage & Towing and Jackson’s are the two companies that meet these criteria. The Sheriff’s department, at their discretion, can use any towing company other than the two listed if the situation requires a tow truck located closer to the accident or a larger truck is required. Commissioners approved the new policy pending approval from the Prosecuting Attorney office.

Tyler County EMS Director Logan Sailor asked for approval to purchase a new ambulance. The matter was discussed at the last Commission meeting pending a third quote for the purchase, which Logan presented to the Commissioners. The new quote provides a larger 12 foot box versus the original quote for a seven and a half foot box for the same price of $252,500 from Atlantic Emergency Solutions. The request was approved pending an in-house budget revision.

Chief Deputy Shannon Huffman then presented the Commissioner with the final costs for bullet proof vests for the Security Guards. The final cost for seven vests is $11,956. The purchase was approved. Deputy Huffman then asked for approval to purchase a 2025 Dodge Durango (new cruiser) at a cost of $46,165 plus an additional charge between $15,000 and $20,000 for the required equipment to be installed. Commissioners approved the purchase.

Commissioner Lance Hickman informed the Commission that the back steps to the Prosecuting Attorney office need immediate repair to provide a safe second entrance to the office. Commissioners approved putting the job out for bids.

The Commission then went into Executive Session regarding Toriseva Law and legal consultation for first responders at 9:47 AM. The session ended at 10:45 AM with no announcement.

Following the executive session the commissioners approved the license agreement with the Division of Natural Resources for the radio tower at the Jug for a 25-year term.

Jill Ash with the Tyler County FRN asked for funding for the Tyler County Resource Manual for printing at a cost of $3,571 for 1000 copies from Adventure Printing & Design. Commission approved the request.

James Swiger from WYK Associates presented a design adjustment for the former Sheriff’s residence/jail building to replace and rebuild the structure following the wall collapse at a cost of $98,000. Commissioners approved the adjustment.

Following the approval to pay the bills the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Tyler County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the auditorium of the Senior Center in Middlebourne.