By Stephen Smoot
On an unusually cold for early December Tuesday morning, the Pendleton County Commission held its next to last regularly scheduled meeting of the year.
Commissioner Roger Dahmer in his invocation prayed, “We pray for Your guidance; we pray for Your leadership and Your strength.”
Edna Mullenax, executive director of the Pendleton County Family Resource Center, shared that in its first year of operation that the program had enrolled 35 families. The Family Resource Center offers support in many ways, from providing a place to socialize, skills building classes, resource assistance, and much more.
“Our pantries are being used. People need food and clothing and whatever support we can get,” she added.
Mullenax then stated that the FRC was in its first year of partnership with the national Warm the Children program. She said that “donations have been very good” and she praised the Pendleton County community for that.
Next, she stated that they were only $500 short of its $4,000 goal for Warm the Children. This will provide at least $100 per child served so that they can receive winter coats and other necessities.
Dahmer responded with “I make the motion that we give them $1,000,” then added “it is cold and there is a need, probably one that most of us here in this room will never see.” Commissioners Carl Hevener and Jimmie Bennett quickly assented, making the vote unanimous.
Mike Alt, Pendleton County Emergency Rescue training officer, in attendance on another matter, asked about options for adults. Mullenax stated that adults in families registered with FSC can receive vouchers redeemable for clothing items at a local thrift shop.
Representatives from Thrasher joined the meeting via phone. April Mallow, in her role as county attorney, questioned them about language in the contract for the upcoming water study. It was decided that Mallow would address concerns on the draft and that it could be rewritten to accommodate them.
After Thrasher shared their desire to meet with the Town of Franklin, Hevener suggested that the same meeting also include the county commission and representatives of the Pendleton Public Service District “so everyone gets the same story.”
Karen Pitsenbarger, Pendleton County administrator, informed the commission that recent weather had prevented installation of new railings on the upgraded ramp. Once the railings are installed, the ramp and public entrance will both be back in service.
She also shared that the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office had come to a determination about a revolving housing fund maintained by Pendleton County. Pitsenbarger explained that “it had to be used for a particular purpose that’s no longer in place.” State officials told her that the county could close the account and move funds to the general fund.
Alt reported that “November was down a little bit on calls,” stating that they received 68 alerts and had 57 responses with a good average response time of 30 minutes. He also projected that aid money, which Pendleton County used for volunteer stipends, would be spent on schedule as mandated by the state.
Hevener stated that “we’re trying to spend the state money so it doesn’t go back,” then suggested that the parties involved continue to communicate next year to ensure that the money is used to best effect all year long.
