By Stephen Smoot
In the second regular Pendleton County Commission meeting for the month of March, Roger Dahmer, commissioner, opened with the customary invocation. He prayed that “we thank You Lord for looking after us.”
Rick Gillespie, Pendleton County Emergency Services coordinator, provided an update on when agencies using the community building would move to the new General Services Building. He stated that “WVU Extension will probably move in by April 13.” The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and also the Pendleton County Public Service District would relocate by the end of May.
Other work on the property included the demolition of a modular structure that was too dilapidated for use. Parking may extend into the area that it once occupied. Additionally, a generator will soon be installed. Gillespie noted, “They’ve still got work to do.”
Carl Hevener, commission president, shared “everything looks like it’s moving forward.” Gillespie added, “They’re doing a great job.”
Next, commissioners heard from Paul Mallow, a former county-appointed representative to the board of Northeast Regional Emergency Medical Service. This organization historically has helped to provide training for EMS, but shut down during COVID between 2020 and 2022. Since then, the entity has been working to return to function.
Mallow’s questions centered on why the organizational president had called him. At some point during the reorganization, NEREMS had done away with county commission board members and focused on filling that body with EMS experienced personnel. Mike Alt, training officer for Pendleton County Emergency Rescue, confirmed that the revamping had started three years ago.
Karen Pitsenbarger, Pendleton County administrator, concurred, saying, “I was told that county commissions did not have authority to appoint to that board.”
Alt explained that one of the benefits of participation lay in access to equipment used by NEREMS. He stated that the organization had a training ambulance used to help teach courses. PCER can request and use it if needed. NEREMS serves the areas covered by Regions 8 and 9 economic planning and development.
Pitsenbarger gave a report on the courthouse annex progress, stating that work “is moving along” but that no move-in date has yet been set. She then informed commissioners that “you all will have to figure out what you want to do with the community building.” Organizations have booked the facility through the end of the year, making a decision urgent.
Gillespie informed commissioners that the West Virginia Legislature passed an act in the recent session that has changed regulations on how local governments may divest themselves of property.
