The resignation of Hancock County administrator Paul Zuros has Hancock County Commissions on the hunt for a new professional to fulfill his duties. Commissioners and County Officials had words of praise for Zuros and thanked him for his service. Zuros’ resignation letter stated he was stepping down from his current position effective July 19.
Commissioners voted to advertise for replacement for Zuros in a detailed job description with a wide salary range of $35,000.00 to $80,000.00 and verbiage which suggests the duties might be divided between two individuals.
“Hancock County is hoping to find one or two people to contribute to the overall management of the County,” reads the job description. One facet of the job focuses on administrative capabilities in general project management, personnel and buildings and grounds while a second focus “requires a blend of technical and intrapersonal skills;
The ad for the position notes that if there is not one person with those abilities, the County Commission may divide the duties. A bill passed in the most recent legislative session reduced the percentage racetrack video lottery revenue going to the County by half. Instead of the two percent of racetrack video lottery revenue previously allocated to the County Commission, Hancock County now receives one percent with the other one percent going to Chester and New Cumberland. The reduction in their budget means Commissioners are seeking ways to deal with the budget reduction;
In other business, the Commission:
**Made a $1,750.00 contribution to Laurel Hollow Park in Newell for maintenance;
**Heard from Paul Lattamus, president of Lattamus Communications, requesting the Commission rebid the camera system and panic button installation at the Courthouse;
**Approved hiring Justin Wiater as a full-time Assistant Prosecuting Attorney;
**Approved Courtney Petrovich to the Northern Panhandle Workforce Investment Board;
**Approved the hiring of Mia Kaufmann as a summer intern at the WVU Extension Office;
**Approved a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant for FY 24/25;
**Approved hiring Art Watson as Security Bailiff;Appr
**Approved hiring Dylan Watson, Daniel Kidder and Linda Miller to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Reserves;
**Approved the Police Resource Officer (PRO) agreement with the Hancock County School Board;
**Gave approval to the County Clerk’s Office to apply for the 2025 HAVA Cares Act Sub-grant
**Approved the resignation of Sue Cline as Field Deputy in the Assessor’s Office and approved her accrued vacation time;
**Hired Dawn Bello as full-time field deputy in the Assessor’s office;
**Hired Ted Dragisich as part-time field deputy in the Assessor’s office;
**Approved travel reimbursement for Commissioner Paul Cowey in the amount of $284.64
