Hancock County Commissioners agree to provide the local match for a grant received by the New Manchester Volunteer Fire Department. According to correspondence from Roger Stewart, fire chief of NMVFD, a 2023 Assistance to Firefighter Federal Grant in the amount of $150,228.57 has been received by the Department. The grant does however require a local match of non federal funds of $7,511.43 is necessary
The Department will purchase 17 new MSA G1 SCBS Air Packs and associated components and accessories with the Grant Funds. Stewart wrote that the Department had hired a professional grant writer to secure the grant.
A request for a donation for the Shop with a Copy program was also received. The Commission donated $500.00
Deputy First Class Chance Weyand, who is spearheading the program wrote “Now more than ever I believe this program is necessary to not only provide a Christmas for the less fortunate, but to also provide our local law enforcement with the opportunity to interact with the community in a positive way.”
In other business, the Commission:
**Approved the meeting schedule for the upcoming year;
**Approved a request to re-open the estate of Claire O. Swartzmiller. There is a pending asbestos claim for Clair O. Swartzmiller in which there is expected to be money received. In order to deposit the funds it requires the reopening of the estate and issuance of updated letters of Administration;
**An order rejecting Claims in the Estate of James Todd Smith was approved;
**The Commission approved hiring Addison Duffy to work in the Circuit Clerk’s office;
**Agreed to apply for a PRO (Police Resource Officer) Grant for 2024/25. The Sheriff is requesting $56,000.00 and an $18,666.00 match is required;
**Approved the retirement of Dog Warden Floyd Schute and agreed to advertise for his retirement;
**Agreed to advertise for an Oakland PSD board member
**Received a request from the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State and Rhododendron Girls State;
**Received a request from Family Care Ministries for a donation for their program.