By Hannah Heishman
The Hardy County Commission met June 3 for a wide-ranging meeting that touched on public safety upgrades, emergency services accountability, community health issues, and several key funding approvals for local institutions and infrastructure.
Paul Lewis, Director for the 911 center and the Office of Emergency Management, reported that May rains resulted in 47 calls to the Department of Highways, which is more than normal, generally for trees in or across roads.
The 911 Center dispatched 632 calls for service. Ten calls were for the Department of Natural Resources, but Hardy County does not have a DNR officer assigned. The Sheriff’s office was dispatched to 269 calls; Moorefield Police Department had 158; and the State Police responded to 44 calls.
West Hardy EMS responded to 124 calls. Hardy County Emergency Ambulance Authority (HCEAA) had 79 calls, and Wardensville Volunteer Rescue Squad had 34.
The Moorefield Volunteer Fire Department had 29 calls; Baker/Mathias had 17; and Capon Valley VFD in Wardensville had seven.
Lewis also provided an update on the Project Lifesaver initiative, reporting a class is scheduled at the 911 Center.
He said the OEM is expected to come in $10,000 under budget. Grant funding for the future is unclear, as many state and federal agencies haven’t yet reported if money is available.
Lewis said he’s looking into training opportunities regarding the batteries in electric vehicles and solar farms, as they present unique challenges for fire departments.
HCEAA Operations Liaison Roger Vacovsky reported significant improvements since January. Quarterly board meetings have replaced ineffective monthly gatherings, and five active committees are now assigned tasks such as finance oversight, outreach, and operations planning.
Vacovsky reported the board has been become much more active, as opposed to passively receiving information and giving minimal guidance.
A special meeting on June 10 with representatives from each EMS agency will focus on standardizing key performance indicators and financial reports.
The agency has reduced payroll expenses from $28,000 to $21,000 per pay period and continues to work toward budget sustainability.
West Hardy scheduled a fall EMT class, and has ongoing efforts towards driver certifications.
Vacovsky is also considering short- and long-term planning for equipment replacements.
A $60,000 special funding request for HCEAA to complete the fiscal year was approved.
Vacovsky presented financial highlights to the Commission, with key points from each agency. His said his goal is to help each, “become tight as a drum.”
Bill Ours, Health Department director, raised an alarm over dog bites from unvaccinated and unregistered dogs in the county. “What we’re doing is not working,” he said, citing strain on 911 and law enforcement. He called for a collaborative educational campaign and enforcement strategy.
Only dog bites that result in medical care are officially tracked, leaving gaps in reporting and information available.
Ours scheduled an open house for the new Health Department for June 13 from 1–3 p.m. He is also making efforts to hire a new sanitarian, following staffing changes.
The Commission agreed to installation of long-delayed security cameras on Lost River Road to monitor illegal dumping. Similarly, a $2,700 camera system will be installed at the county dog pound, with monthly internet service provided by HardyTel under a new agreement.
Courthouse security and lighting upgrades were also discussed. A new grant will fund energy-efficient lighting installations, and sidewalk repairs are rescheduled for mid-June, pending weather.
Several key community organizations received funding:
McCoy Theater received the balance of a $25,000 request, funded in part through the opioid settlement funds. Programming and renovations are underway, including an October open house with multiple bands and vendors.
Valley View Golf Course was awarded $15,000 toward the purchase of a lawn tractor. Commissioners praised the member-owned facility’s importance to local schools and youth sports, despite financial hardship.
The final draft Dog Warden contract should be ready for approval at the next meeting..
Non-Government Organization Funding Policy: Approved with a cap of $2,500 per request, reviewed quarterly.
Second Monthly Meetings: Temporarily suspended for the summer due to low attendance, to be reviewed in September. There will be a second meeting in June.
Prostate Health Clinic Scheduled: Details pending.
Sheriff’s Report: 21 felony cases in court; multiple drug seizures and federal sentencings reported.
Recognition:East Hardy High School student Bryer Parker placed second in a statewide essay competition on county government.
The meeting concluded with a review of budget revisions, estate management, and CD signatory updates. A courthouse picnic date will be selected soon.
For more information, recordings of County Commission meetings are available on the County’s Facebook page.
The next meeting is Tuesday, June 17 at 5 p.m. in the Commission’s courthouse chambers. The public is encouraged to attend.
