The Putnam County Commission held its February 25th meeting at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Building due to ongoing renovations of Commission Chambers in the courthouse.
The commission approved an annexation request by the City of Winfield to bring Jordan Place into city limits. The property is adjacent to Winfield Baptist Church.
Most of the meeting was devoted to receiving updates on water projects and hearing the budget needs of county agencies and programs.
Terry Martin of the Regional Governmental Council presented the commission with an update on the availability of grant funding for public water projects throughout the county. Martin reported that an income survey revealed that Fisher Ridge did not qualify for a HUD Community Development Grant. HUD grants of this nature require that 51% of the residents be of low or moderate income.
Martin said that a Critical Needs Project to provide funding for water to Riffee Ridge was linked to HUD funding for Fisher Ridge. Critical Needs Projects are not subject to income limitations but cannot exceed $2 million. Martin reported that the $2 million Critical Needs Grant that had been received for Deerfield Estates has been returned to the State because the projected cost exceeded the limit. Martin is hopeful that the legislature will increase the Critical Needs limit to $3 million.
Jim Nagy of Terradon reported that the Custer Ridge water project will be advertised before the end of March with contracts to be awarded in May. Nagy said that construction is slated to begin in June with completion prior to the end of the 2025 calendar year.
The Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau is funded through hotel/motel tax receipts. Executive director Kelli Steele informed the commission that a 10% increase in revenue is expected and will be adequate to meet agency needs. Steele said that 10% of all credit card purchases in Putnam County are sourced to out-of-county residents.
Library director Megan Tarbett reported that she is asking for a 5% increase to meet increased costs. The commission allotted $320,000 to Libraries in the current fiscal year.
President of Putnam County Fair Krista Snodgrass presented an overview of the 2024 Fair. Very hot days suppressed attendance holding the total to between 20,000 and 25,000 for the nine-day fair. Attendance and income from admissions is weather dependent. Snodgrass is hopeful in 30,000 for this year’s fair.
Justin Williams, director of Parks and Recreation, asked the commission for an increase to meet the rise in utility cost and to avert employee turnover. The 2024-25 Parks budget was $385,000. Williams said that bookings for Valley Park playing fields is down because of increased competition.
Jamey Hunt of Putnam County Day Report expects his agency to expend 2.5% more than last year. Hunt projects the increase to be met by additional grant money.
Putnam County WVU Extension Agent Tim Sayre requested an increase of $2,500 over the $70,560 approved last year. Sayre said that WVU is asking a $25,000 salary match for each agent.
Putnam County Health Director Crystal Moberly projects $226,00 in grants to help meet a $590,800 need. The Health Department drives part of its operating revenue from fees. Last year, the commission allocated $50,000 to the Health Department.
In other business, the commission appointed Greg Mick to the Parks and Recreation Board. The next commission meeting will be Tuesday, March 11, in commission chambers at the courthouse.
