On Tuesday, May 9, Putnam’s three county commissioners met and voted to augment funding for the Jim Ridge Phase 2 Waterline Extension Project by $72,220. The additional funding will allow the project to include all of the add-ons that were not covered by the base bid.

Low bidder for the total project was Chojnacki Construction of Hamlin with a base bid and alternative add-on bids totaling $3,551,900. County manager Jeremy Young informed the commission that this amount was greater than that which had been committed by all funders (the HUD Community Development Grant, West Virginia-American Water, the IJDC District 2 Grant, the WV WDA EEG Grant, and the County Commission). The county had previously allotted $288,000 to the project. Young stated that the county had money available in its water and sewer fund which would allow the project to proceed without delay.

The Commission approved the Chojnacki bid, pending renewal of a needed permit. The renewal does not involve special approval and is expected to be granted within a few days. Construction is expected to begin before August 1st.

In other business, the Commission approved a request by the City of Hurricane to annex 1.84 acres on Sleepy Hollow Road and 0.50 acres on Main Street into city limits. Commissioner Andy Skidmore recused himself from the proceedings because of his position of Hurricane City Manager.

The Commission also approved a grant application for $23,498 from the State which will provide additional security cameras at the Judicial Building. The cameras will eliminate blind spots in the area to the rear of the building.

The Commission appointed Becky Justice to a term on the Putnam County Health Board from May 9, 2023 to June 30, 2026, and Gary Young to the Putnam County Development Authority for a term beginning May 9, 2023 and ending September 30, 2025.

The next Putnam County Commission will be Tuesday, May 30, at 5 p.m.