By Dakota Baker
The Greenbrier County Commission met for their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Arts and recreation transfers included $5,689.82 for engineering services for the Meadow River Trail, covered under AML reimbursement, and $1,238.75 for consulting services for the Meadow River Trail, which is partially reimbursable under AML. Also included is $17,247.50 for Greenbrier County Libraries for FY 2025–2026 second-quarter funding for the Lewisburg, Ronceverte, Alderson, Rupert, Rainelle, and White Sulphur Springs libraries. The total amount of $24,176.07 was approved for transfer from savings to checking.
Under old business, commissioners revisited a request from the town of Renick regarding the Thacker and Lewis properties. Although additional information had been received from the town, it was not reviewed in time for the meeting. As a result, the matter was once again tabled until the next meeting.
Under new business, commissioners considered a request for an additional $360,000 in TIF funds for the Maple Dale Water Storage Tank Project in White Sulphur Springs. The project aims to resolve issues with fire hydrants along Route 92 that were unusable due to insufficient water pressure. The request for additional TIF funding was approved.
Commissioners also considered approval for the City of White Sulphur Springs to issue a notice of award for the Maple Dale Water project. Bids were opened on Jan. 6, and Lantz Construction submitted the lowest bid but had not yet been formally awarded the contract. The Commission approved allowing the city to issue the notice of award through the White Sulphur Springs TIF fund.
Next on the agenda was a recommendation to adopt an updated zoning ordinance for areas currently subject to zoning in Greenbrier County. Commissioner Woody Hanna stated he was not comfortable voting without having reviewed the proposal, and the vote was tabled until the next meeting.
The Commission voted to extend the demolition contract with L.D. Hanna and noted the County had received an additional $100,000 LEAP grant to continue demolishing dilapidated structures.
Don Havens then addressed the Commission regarding the 911 tower maintenance project. He explained that the selected vendor would offer 24/7 availability and possess extensive knowledge of Motorola systems, which is essential since the County uses Motorola equipment. Havens added that the vendor would also perform preventive maintenance and inspect each shelter for vulnerability to lightning strikes.
Britt Ludwig raised concerns that a change order might not be the best approach, suggesting that individual issues could require separate contracts. The matter was tabled until the next meeting. Commission President Rose stressed the importance of avoiding any lapse in coverage.
The next Greenbrier County Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10.