By Stephen Smoot
The main message from Carl Hevener, Pendleton County Commission president, came at the conclusion of the first regular meeting for the month of May.
“Yes, we did cut the budget,” stated Hevener.
In reference to speculation made in social media concerning budget cuts, Hevener stated, “If the public would like to know . . . we have a meeting the first and third weeks of every month.” He added that he preferred direct and frank conversation rather than “he said, she said” and emphasized “the public is invited to attend.”
Those meetings, unless otherwise specified, take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday mornings.
Shrinking budgets at the state and federal level have left local government authorities, such as municipalities, school systems, and county government, with a shrinking pie of funds. While potential economic development in the county and statewide could boost revenues in the near-future and expand that pie, county commissioners have more limited resources at the present time.
It was noted that multiple county agencies had trimmed back their budgets when they were informed that requests would overstep resources. Pendleton 911, for example, cut its own budget request voluntarily by approximately $100,000.
Commissioners will hold a special public budget meeting and announce the pertinent information while also engaging public questions and concerns.
The meeting opened with the traditional invocation, in which Roger Dahmer, commissioner, prayed, “We just thank You so much for this beautiful morning . . . we serve You by serving others.”
After the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, commissioners recognized Mountain Heart for Child Care Providers Appreciation Day.” The proclamation honoring the day included the idea that professional providers “create safe, nurturing environments for the most critical years of child development.”
Rick Gillespie, Pendleton County Emergency Services coordinator, shared an update concerning the new General Services Building. He stated that by the end of May and start of June that the Pendleton County Public Service District, forestry and wildlife would be moved in and “complete this round of where we are.” Soon, crews will “pour concrete for the generator, then install it.”
Karen Pitsenbarger, Pendleton County administrator, reported that courthouse annex construction continues to progress “as scheduled.”
Mike Alt, training officer for the Pendleton County Emergency Rescue, shared that water resources available for first responders were dwindling as the county continues to experience a federally defined “severe drought.” “I think that will be a big concern,” he said. He then added that “it’s something we need to start planning for.”
Sheriff Bradley Kimble provided a report on law enforcement numbers for the month of April. The numbers included 79 calls, 26 assists to other agencies, 24 different reports, 15 warrants, 23 felony arrests, 59 traffic stops, 15 interviews, 33 contacts, 20 call backs, and 26 miscellaneous, including dog-related calls.
