Summersville City Council approves coal severance budget, proclaims ‘NCHS Class of 1957 Day’
By Matthew Young, RealWV
SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. – The Summersville City Council, on Monday, began their regular meeting by approving the Coal Severance Fund’s 2023/2024 budget of $30,714.
“We tentatively earmark this money – as we always do – for safety,” Mayor Robert Shaffer said. “It’ll go for one of two things; it’ll either go to outfitting a police car this year, and/or this will be the money that we use for new radios.”
Next, Shaffer read from a proclamation honoring the Nicholas County High School graduating class of 1957, who will be gathering for their 67th class reunion on Aug. 12.
“For the past 67 years, members of this class have been outstanding examples of community-minded citizens who have served important roles as role models for their communities,” Shaffer read. “Although the reunion will be a time of joy at seeing old friends and remembering good times, it will also be an opportunity to recall the past friendships and memories of classmates who are deceased.”
“Whereas, the City of Summersville hopes that the 67th reunion of the Nicholas County High School graduating class of 1957 will be a memorable and enjoyable time for all attending,” Shaffer continued. “Therefore, I do hereby proclaim August 12, 2023 as Nicholas County High School Class of 1957 Day in the City of Summersville.”
Shaffer then offered a reminder that the Brown Oaks 100th birthday celebration is scheduled for Aug. 18. Tickets are still available for the event at a cost of $40 per person.
“This is our opportunity to celebrate the Brown family, and their lasting impact on our community,” Shaffer said. “I ask everybody to consider being a part of the 100th birthday party.”
“I’d just like to tell you also, that for the balance of the year, there’s an activity every month celebrating the 100 years of the Brown Oaks site,” Shaffer added.
Next, Shaffer advised council members that he had been notified by Sen. Joe Manchin’s office of an additional $1.8 million in funding Summersville will be receiving for the visitors center, before congratulating the organizers of the Nicholas County Fair for a successful event.
“All of the feedback that I have received has been positive,” Shaffer said. “My hat is off to them (organizers).”
With no further items on the agenda – and no explanation as to why – the mayor and council members adjourned for an executive session. The Summersville City Council will next meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14.
