Greenbrier County Commission approves $179k for sewer line project, considers raising 911 fees
By Matthew Young, RealWV
LEWISBURG, W.Va. – The Greenbrier County Commission, on Tuesday, approved the Route 60 East Sewer Project (White Sulphur Springs TIF project) Payment Resolution #10, in the amount of $179,707.05.
According to County Attorney Britt Ludwig, who joined the meeting via Zoom, the resolution included an invoice from E. L. Robinson Engineering, totaling $13,569.41.
Keeping their focus on the Route 60 Sewer Project, commissioners then approved Ludwig’s recommendation to reduce the total estimated project cost for disinfection system improvements from $627,500, to $609,102. While the project’s contract has not yet been awarded, Ludwig’s recommendation was based upon all bids submitted being below the original estimate.
Next on the agenda was consideration of the Greenbrier County GigReady Broadband Project Payment Methodology Waiver request, and review of the prorated allocation of matching funds and grant funds for invoiced expenses. The waiver and proration free the County Commission of the burden of paying the full cost of the invoice at one time by using state funds to cover 75% of the cost. This leaves the commission responsible for the remaining 25%.
“I would just note that for the entire (GigReady) project, the county has been paying the full 100%,” Commissioner Tammy Tincher said. “This is more in line with all of the other projects that the county has received funding, where there is a match. Then the state pays the amount for the grant funds they’ve already received.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the waiver and proration.
Pening the final approval of counsel, the commission next approved the Greenbrier County Day Report’s request to apply for two operational grants totaling $357,000 from the Division of Justice, before hearing from Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Don Havens about his application for a Department of Interior federal grant.
“Long story short, it’s a $20 million funding opportunity through the Department of the Interior for slip-on tanker units,” Havens explained. “I’m in the process of getting it (application) done, and I anticipate having it done by the end of the week.”
The grant funds would assist the five local fire departments in possession of compatible trucks, and there is no fund-matching requirement associated with its application. Havens added that recipients will be notified of their award between June and September of this year. The application was also approved pending final review.
In other business, the commission approved the reinstatement of the 911 Advisory Board, upon which Commissioner Richie Holliday was appointed, as well as the publication of the proposed amended 911 ordinance.
“We’ve upgraded our communications system – both hardware and software – in the 911 Center,” Havens said, in explanation as to why the 911 ordinance was amended. “This increase in funding will help offset some of that cost, as well as the cost of doing business on a day-to-day basis.”
The current 911 rate in Greenbrier County is $2, and has not been raised since 1995. After the ordinance is published, a public hearing will be scheduled.
Commissioners next approved the distribution of $54,487.64 in received state funding amongst the county’s 15 fire departments and three emergency medical service (EMS) providers. However, the commission later determined that a question existed pertaining to guidance regarding the funding distribution to EMS providers.
Commissioner Tincher later informed RealWV that the situation will be addressed once again during the commission’s next scheduled meeting.
Lastly, commissioners approved the retirement of Scott Sheppard from the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department. The commission is next scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m.
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