By Stephen Smoot
The month of February for most brings a yearning for the milder temperatures and weather of spring. For Region 8 Planning and Economic Development Council, however, February’s meeting serves as a reminder that it is soon time to hold the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy sessions.
Region 8 staff invites elected officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders to join at least one of the two meetings. According to information shared at the meeting, “the meetings will be identical in format and last less than two hours.
As in every year, the first meeting will take place in Moorefield at Mullin’s 1847 Restaurant, commencing at 11:30 a.m. on March 28. A week later, the Candlewyck Inn in Keyser will host at the same time.
CEDS meetings follow the “SWOT” technique of gathering information. Attendees offer examples of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Region 8 officials will take the information and apply it toward the year’s strategy report.
Though the state gives councils a deadline of March 31 to complete the process, Region 8 received both this year and last year an extension.
Council members next took up the organizational budget. Overall, it anticipates that most expenses will remain the same with two exceptions, both related to employees. The council reported that “PEIA insurance costs are reported to increase approximately 14 percent for the upcoming fiscal year” and proposes a five percent cost of living adjustment for the salaries of “all regular full-time employees as well as salary adjustments for four employees.”
Bev Keadle, mayor of Romney, criticized the manner of salary increase, adding, “I’ve done this the past two years.”
Keadle asserted that relying on a percentage increase resulted in a “top heavy” raise, explaining that “the people on the bottom of the spectrum get very little.” She suggested that raising salaries by a set number of dollars per hour “is more fair.”
She added that “that’s my two cents. It takes care of everyone equally, to which Roger Henderson, Mineral County commissioner, replied, “Well said.”
Melissa Earle, executive director of Region 8, stated that the organization had given the budget committee the task of making recommendations and that their proposal was up for consideration. The council with one nay approved the salary increase as proposed.
Henderson remarked that “maybe the budget committee needs to look at lower paid staff.” Mallie Combs, economic development director for Hardy County, added that “it’s also tough to get good staff.”
Earle concluded the salary discussion with “our current employees need to make more.”
Region 8 also plans to add the position of environmental program coordinator. This position focuses on acquiring and administering grant and other funding for projects designed to improve the environment, or mitigate hazards. Region 9 has had such a position for years and has occasionally allowed their coordinator to assist Region 8 counties, since the Potomac Highlands lies upstream of the lower Eastern Panhandle.
Samuel Canfield, a representative from West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, added that there is “a lot more nuance associated with the position.” He has served as an advisor to Region 8, but said that he is not in a position to help with grants.
Earle also shared that Region 8 and others will gather in late April to honor the lengthy career and legacy of Terry Lively, retired executive director.