By Natasha Wilson
Storms, touring opportunities, broadband funding and more, stirred discussion at the most recent Pendleton County Commission meeting.
Two of the three commissioners – Gene McConnell and Carl Hevener – were present at the Aug. 16 meeting at the Pendleton County Courthouse.
Rick Gillespie, county emergency services coordinator, and the commissioners continued their conversation about potential flooding in the area due to high incidents of rain fall and current ground saturation levels. The county remains watchful for any signs of flooding in the area.
Laura Brown, director of the Economic Development Authority, announced the award of $4.8M in grant funding to Pendleton County to bring broadband services to the area, with an anticipated project end date of August 2023.
Brown and the commissioners also discussed the separation of the Pendleton County Convention and Pendleton County Visitors Bureau from the Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce. Until recently the two entities had worked together as one unit, an uncommon occurrence in our state, but have recently voted to officially separate and operate independently of each other within the bounds of their own separate bylaws.
McConnell, president of the County Commission, expanded on the CVB and Chamber of Commerce separation, explaining that the CVB would be working closely alongside the EDA with a significant commitment to acquiring and incubating new businesses. A board is being established for the newly separated CVB; one member will be appointed by the county commission, one member by the Town of Franklin, and then five additional members will form the required seven-person board.
McConnell remarked on the state’s unprecedented investment in tourism; highlighting marketing efforts throughout the state intended to drive the local tourism industry and promote outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing.
Tina Eye, president of the Pendleton County Emergency Rescue Squad, and the commissioners began a conversation about ways in which the Pendleton County Emergency Rescue Squad could become more effective in the area. Follow up meetings are being scheduled so the conversation can progress into the actions needed to make effective change.
The commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of three members to local boards: Janice Lantz, board of health; J.P. Mowery, Economic Development Authority; and Shannon Donnelly, board of parks.
The commissioners also without dissenting vote or comment approved the estate settlements, exonerations, and fiduciary appointments.
The minutes from the Aug. 2 meeting were accepted unanimously by the commissioners. The next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 6 at the Pendleton County Courthouse.
