By Stephen Smoot
The second April gathering of the Pendleton County Commission opened with a prayer from Roger Dahmer, commissioner. He asked, “Lord, we invite You into our meetings and proceedings.”
Karen Pitsenbarger, Pendleton County administrator, shared that the power company will resituate an electric pole near the courthouse. Power will be shut off during the operation, but Pitsenbarger shared that “as long as the generator is functioning, we’ll be here.”
Carl Hevener, County Commission president, asked for updates on 911 and emergency management. Rick Gillespie, Pendleton County emergency services coordinator, shared that April is the official month recognizing 911 telecommunicators.
He added that “we appreciate everything our 911 personnel do.”
Darren Taylor came in from the South Branch Valley Day Report Center to give a brief update on operations.
According to the organization’s website, “the SBVDRC’s philosophy revolves around altering the behavior of specific offenders by offering them personalized and evidence-based treatment programs, along with accountability measures.”
Additionally, “the SBVDRC strives to attain two main objectives: reducing the rate of repeat offenses and probation revocations by transforming the behavior of participating offenders. This program offers a constructive alternative to incarceration for nonviolent offenders, who discover that they can lead a life of recovery and attain success.”
He opened by praising the Pendleton County Commission, saying that “I really appreciate that you guys start out with prayer. It sets a really good tone for the county and community.”
Taylor shared that the Day Report Center had received a $112,000 grant from the West Virginia First Foundation. The WVFF manages funds distributed to West Virginia from the opioid settlement engineered by then-attorney general and present Governor Patrick Morrisey.
The purpose of the grants, as stated in the WVFF website, lies in backing “initiatives that align with our mission to combat the opioid crisis in West Virginia through evidence-based strategies and community-driven solutions.”
Taylor explained that the grant would help to cover salaries of two staff members on telehealth “to provide a lot of services.”
The Day Report Center works with the circuit court that covers Pendleton, Hardy, and Hampshire counties. The center serves 17 Pendleton County residents, 10 of whom, according to Taylor, would be incarcerated if not in the program.
“That saves $210,000 from the county jail bill,” Taylor noted.
He brought a proclamation from the local community justice board of directors, a body that had included Hevener and will soon include Dahmer. Hevener said, “We appreciate your all’s service, It’s helped a lot of individuals.”
Taylor responded, “I have a great team that shares the vision.”
Next, Pitsenbarger gave an update on the recently commenced construction of the new courthouse annex, saying, “Everything’s going good. No hiccups as of yet. Parking will be an issue.” Commissioners then approved a measure to allow Pitsenbarger to sign off on change orders related to the project.
After commissioners approved levy rates for fiscal year 2026, Hevener recognized Jennifer Taylor-Ide who requested to share an item.
Taylor-Ide stated that she had been working with the West Virginia Center of Budget and Policy to plan a public meeting regarding potential changes to Medicaid. She said that Pendleton County could see a significant financial impact.
“In my view, if changes are made, I think you all know that West Virginia and Pendleton County are heavily Medicaid dependent,” Taylor-Ide said.
Next, Mike Alt, training officer from Pendleton County Emergency Rescue, said “It is county government month, so thank you all for what you do.”
Hevener quipped, “I thought that was every month.”
Alt and Gillespie then discussed the continuing questions over whether or not the state would refill the EMS Salary Enhancement Fund. Alt shared that he heard it would be kept, but cut. Gillespie said that his sources in state government reported that it received no funding.
Alt reported that calls to PCER had dipped in the first half of April, then shared information on a critical incident stress management course conducted in coordination with Potomac Highlands Guild. He was thankful “to get them in the same room we were” to learn more about handing the emotional issues of responding to traumatic events.
He then asked if he could share a non emergency services related issue, asking if the county commissioners would consider a law requiring that itinerant merchants, traditionally known as “peddlars,” could be required to have permits to conduct business. The example he gave was a man in a truck selling goods while parked in Smoke Hole.
Alt explained that brick and mortar businesses have to abide by licensing and permitting laws when conducting certain kinds of business and that those selling roadside should not be exempt.
Hevener replied that he would speak with Dave Workman, a Hardy County commissioner, to learn more about if their law could apply.
