GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – The first August Greenbrier County Commission meeting was held on Aug. 8. Commissioner Lowell Rose and Clerk Robin Loudermilk were absent.
Ten estates were presented for settlement and were accepted by the two voting Commissioners, Blaine Philips and Tammy Tincher.
Over $63,000 was moved from savings to checking to pay on invoices from Arts and Rec grant submissions.
A presentation was made to the Commission by Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation (GVEDC) Director Ruthana Beezley. She was proud to announce the GVEDC, which serves a region covering Greenbrier, Pocahontas and Monroe counties, has received an AA rating from the Bio Development Opportunity Zone. This is the first in West Virginia and fourth in North America to qualify as AA.
The bio development status helps to attract new businesses to locate in this area that desires to produce bio-products, including biofuels. They often use wood waste as a source of materials for production.
Drawbacks for the Greenbrier business growth are in both housing and warehousing. Beezley said, “We need more warehouse and manufacturing spaces. Increased housing for a workforce is an issue we are investigating with help from WVU.” Currently, the housing market has shrunk due to temporary housing rentals (Air BNB).
She also recommended a new appointment to the GVEDC of Jennifer Mason, a local attorney, and the County Commissioners approved this appointment. Members of the GVEDC are from all three counties.
Planning Commission Director Amy Maloney recommended the reappointment of Jeff Davis for another three-year term ending June 30, 2027. The County Commission approved her recommendation. Maloney then made a presentation about a conservation easement purchase in the Irish Corner District.
In her presentation, she described the Greenbrier County Farmland Protection Board and its goals and accomplishments in protecting conservation properties. This one is 92.6 acres, and the purchase price is $112,000 which will be paid by county funds since it is under the 100-acre threshold. Larger parcels can be paid with money from state and federal grant programs.
In other business, the County Commission voted to suspend the county COVID-19 sick leave policy, following the same action taken at the state level last month. Commission President Tammy Tincher said, “Of course if the situation changes and the state declares another emergency outbreak this can be reversed.”
The 911 Center director recommended hiring Lucinda Hanna for a dispatcher position, and the Commission agreed.
The Airport Authority has received a fine for non-compliance from the FAA, and the Commission agreed to transfer $1,816.20 into the Authority’s account for payment.
