L-R: David O’Conner, Commissioner Brian Ellis, Matthew Wood, Ryan Moses, Commissioner Andy Skidmore, Noah Miller, Commissioner Ron Foster, and Bradley Hodges.

The Putnam County Commission meeting on June 30, 2022 featured a first-time happening — the swearing-in ceremony of five new Deputy Sheriffs. The new hires ups the number of Putnam deputy sheriffs to 42.

David O’Conner, Noah Miller, Matthew Wood, Bradley Hodges, and Ryan Moses, all swore to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of West Virginia, and to faithfully discharge the duties of Putnam County Deputy Sheriff.

It was a particularly special occasion for the Moses family as Ryan represents the third generation of the family to serve as a Putnam Deputy Sheriff.

In other business, the Commission approved the annexation of 17.99 acres into the Town of Poca. Rock Branch Elementary School and the Sheetz adjacent to the Board of Education property are now part of the town. Poca Mayor William Jones stated that the annexation allows the Town’s insurance to cover the police officer who serves as a PRO Officer at Rock Branch Elementary.

The Commission also approved a memorandum of understanding that will make all of the Town of Poca subject to the county’s DAEA Ordinance. The DAEA Board will now act upon complaints filed concerning dilapidated and abandoned properties within Poca town limits. The County Commission has the authority to fine property owners who fail to correct a valid complaint. Mayor Jones said that he knows of four properties which are in need of correction.

Terry Martin of the Regional Intergovernmental Council informed the Commission that the maximum limit for Critical Infrastructure Need Grant has been increased from $1 million to $2 million. The increase will make it possible for RIC to apply for a grant on behalf of Deerfield Estates for water service. Martin stated that the cost per customer is high and may result in other grant applications given priority.

The Commission voted to table acting on awarding an engineering services contract for the Office of Planning and Infrastructure because of identical low bids. The Commission wants Planning Director David Coll to determine if the low bidders exchanged bid information.

The next County Commission meeting is Tuesday, July 12.