The Hancock County Commission approved another budget revision for the year as the impact of 50 percent of its racetrack video lottery reduction hits home. The Commission transferred $1,370,646.00 of its Rainy Day Fund, an increased amount of $875,000.00 from that previously approved. The total amount being allocated from the Rainy Day Fund is now $2,256,300.00.
Commission President Jeff Davis says he is hopeful the economic development , especially in the Weirton area such as Form Energy, will begin to pay off financially before funds to keep the County solvent are depleted.
Commissioner Paul Cowey noted that when the funds were reduced, the Commission was assured the County funds would be made whole. One of the problems in getting the funds restored is that Hancock is the sole county affected, thus making it difficult to garner legislative support. Commissioners said they have been talking with their Senators, but chances of getting support on the issue with Del. Pat McGeehan are reduced because he supported the reduced allocation.
Discussion was held on whether the Commissioners should approve four new part-time hires from the Hancock County Animal Shelter. The effective date of hire was July 25, 2024. Commissioner Eron Chek questioned the hires given the Animal Shelter’s budget and that approval was not given prior to the hires. Commissioners Jeff Davis and Paul Cowey felt there was an obligation to honor the hires. Approval passed on a 2 to 1 margin with Chek voting no.
In other business, the Commission:
**Approved the transfer of Animal Shelter Levy monies;
**Approved advertising for bids for the Sheriff’s Office for bullet proof vests;
**Approved Early Voting at the Courthouse;
**Approved the change of employment status of a Personal Property Clerk in the Assessor’s Office
** Approved Caleb Ritchie from full-time to part-time, 911 Dispatch;
**Approved hiring Amy Nickerson as part-time 911 Dispatcher:
**Approved a Contingent Fee Agreement with Fitzsimmons Law Firm .