In anticipation of the hydroelectric plant coming to New Cumberland, the Hancock County Commission and the Board of Education have signed off on a lease agreement for land Current Hydro will have a 40 -year lease on and for the Pilot Agreement (Payment in Lieu of Taxes). The hydro plant would normally be subject to property taxes of the Board of Education and the County receive a 70-30 split. Under the documents signed the two entities will negotiate a fee agreement for payment in place of the property tax.
County Legal Counsel Mike Lucas said that the City of New Cumberland still has to negotiate an agreement with Current Hydro, LLC. The City annexed the area in which the hydro plant will be located 30 years ago in anticipation of a hydro plant located at the Locks & Dams. With Home Rule the City has the option to levy a B&O tax on the plant or negotiate a PILOT fee agreement.
Current Hydro, LLC has already filed for a $1.3 million building permit from the City of New Cumberland. Mayor Will White referred questions about when New Cumberland will begin work on a PILOT agreement with Current Hydro L.L.C. to City Attorney Kevin Pearl who did not respond to a phone call or e-mail on the issue.
The Commission heard from Zachary White, the 4-H extension agent, who introduced the group of 4-H members in the audience. White said the group was comprised of representatives from each 4-H club in the County including the newest Club in Chester. A new 4-H club is being formed in Weirton. The Commission recognized October 5th through 11th as National 4-H week.
In other business, the Commission:
**Approved payment of general county bills $113,416.16 and purchasing card bills of $38,447.91
**Accepted the resignation of Mary Close as Deputy Circuit Clerk;
**Approved the hiring of Katelyn Southall as an animal care technician;
**Accepted the resignation of Garrett Nicols from the Parks & Recreation Board;
**Approved a letter of support and application for a WV Courthouse Improvement Authority Grant for the replacement of windows in the Courthouse;
**Appointed Finance Director Ira Iracich, County Clerk Karan Valenti and Commission President Eron Check as an Audit Committee to receive bids for the County Audit from private firms and to select the firm;
**Appointed April Manypenny Raines as Fiduciary Commissioner for the term of Sept. 2, 2025 through Sept. 1, 2027.
