GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – On Feb. 24, the Greenbrier County Commission met for its regularly scheduled session.
First up was Amanda Smarr to present three invoices. Two of those were for Thompson and Litton. The first included $400 from the TIF funds and $1,200 from the grant funds. The second was for $3,000 out of the TIF funds and $1,200 from the grant funding. The third invoice Smarr brought before the commission was to CityNet and included make-ready work. It was in the amount of $16,406.66 from TIF funds and $49,219.93 from grant funding. Commissioner Holliday inquired whether the Commission had been reimbursed yet for the matching funds, and Smarr answered in the affirmative.
Next up was Don Havens, the Greenbrier County Director of Emergency Services. Havens was there to tell the Commission that the Greenbrier County Emergency Communications Center received accreditation as a level two facility by the WV 911 Council. They were one of only two in the state to receive the accreditation. Havens said Greenbrier County has a fully enhanced 911 Center and that they have phase 1 and 2 capabilities.
Commissioner Hannah said he wanted to thank all the 911 employees for what they do and that they’re very much appreciated. Commissioner Holliday said two of the worst calls he ever had to make were to 911. He wanted to say how much he appreciated everything the 911 Center does, and he was so glad they were there.
The Commission discussed consideration and approval of the EMPG (emergency management performance grant) for fiscal year 2024. This was a year. Don Havens, Emergency Services Director for Greenbrier County, said the amount was $100,924.50.
It was voted to go ahead with the draft letter and deed restriction at 4603-004 135 Ivy Lane, White Sulphur Springs. This is ongoing from the flood of 2016 and is a buyout. The amount will be $58,951, and $900 in fees. Provided FEMA approves. If everything goes through, the City of White Sulphur Springs will own the property.
The place for early voting was discussed. It was decided to keep the places the same as in previous years. The lower court room of the courthouse is the main early voting location, and the Rupert Community Center is the satellite voting center precinct. This will be April 29 through May 9. No Sunday hours will be available. All precincts will use these locations for early voting.
Al Emch was there to discuss with the commission making the Greenbrier County Historical Society in charge of the mural for the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Emch said there will be events planned throughout the year, showcased by a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the courthouse steps on July 25. This commemorates the first reading of the document in Fincastle, Va, on July 25, 250 years ago. Nationwide America 250, in conjunction with the Canada Commission, is offering the County $5,000 to create a mural for the event. Hopefully, Emch said, these murals will become part of a mural tour. He hopes to make the Greenbrier County mural a traveling mural, but a location for it has yet to be determined. The mural has to meet certain state and federal regulations.
Once again, Motorola has been chosen as the company to do tower maintenance for the 911 towers.
Not on the agenda, but graciously allowed to give their presentation was Greenbrier Humane Society. The Humane Society gave an annual report with 387 dogs and 815 cats surrendered. A total of 69 animals brought in by animal control were given care.
Commissioner Hannah was thanked by the Humane Society for helping them over the years take care of over 30,000 animals. As of 2026, it’s still a no-kill shelter, only euthanizing for very specific reasons. The Humane Society performed 1, 178 surgeries through the spay and neuter program, and this isn’t done with County money. Since COVID-19, there’s been a huge demand.
The Humane Society relies on donations to provide pet food to food pantries to ensure pets can eat, too. Their goal is to keep pets with their owners. They also participate in a pet rehoming program that has placed 207 dogs and cats without them having to go through the shelter. The foster-to-adopt program is especially good for expecting moms or animals stressed by the shelter environment. For 2026 and beyond, they want to stress education on responsible pet ownership.
Commissioner Rose said he wanted to thank the Humane Society and appreciated everything they were doing for the animals.
Commissioner Hannah said he was proud to have been a part of it for so many years. He went on to say he knew the spay and neuter program was saving lives and wanted to personally thank everyone at the Humane Society.
