The first order of business at the Tuesday, July 8, meeting of the Putnam Commission was to approve an election notice that will allow the commission to change the bounds of current magisterial districts and precincts such that next year’s May Primary may be conducted in a manner that allows municipalities to hold elections on the same day as statewide elections. Changes in municipal boundaries make precinct changes necessary for affected voters. Magisterial district boundaries determine the eligibility of candidates to run for county commission and school board. In the next Primary, voters will elect candidates to the school board and select county commission candidates to be elected in November 2026 to fill the remaining two years of the District 1 commissioner and for the full six-year term of the District 3 commissioner.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to ask questions and address commissioners about these changes at the July 29th and August 12th commission meetings. The new magisterial districts would mirror House of Delegates districts, with some slight differences. Maps will be available in the county clerk’s office for inspection. The commission is slated to approve magisterial district and precinct changes of August 26.

In other business, the commission approved updating fees associated with development in areas determined to be in flood plain hazard areas. The new fees are consistent with fees charged by the City of Hurricane and Kanawha County.

The commission also approved a text amendment to the zoning ordinance for zoned unincorporated areas of the county concerning special permit uses within high density commercial districts (C-2) to include laydown yards. Laydown yards are staging areas where large and industrial tools, materials, products, equipment and vehicles may be temporarily stored when not in use. Laydown yards are listed as a permitted use for light industrial districts (I-1).

During public comment following action on agenda items, Billy Jack Greg addressed the commission concerning a water project on Benedict Road (located on the Putnam/Cabell County boundary). Greg stated that City of Hurricane water service terminates on a portion of Benedict which is Cabell County. Public water is now available on lower end of Benedict in the Culloden area near I-64, about one and a half miles distant from Hurricane water availability.

Greg said that the city of Hurricane water utility is interested in extending its service on Benedict to the 12 homes and 27 people on Benedict Ridge, four families in Cabell and eight in Putnam. The utility would provide labor for installation of 12,500 feet of 4-inch pipe but needs help from both Cabell and Putnam to cover material costs, close to $90,000. Greg is asking the two counties each to provide funds for 50 percent of material costs. Cabell is now working to develop a grant application for the project.

Commissioner Andy Skidmore questioned the use of 4-inch pipe. “Is 4-inch pipe sufficient for Fire Service?” The maintenance of adequate water pressure is a precondition to obtaining grant money. More information will be needed before the Putnam County Commission can act.

The county commission next meets on Tuesday, July 29th.