By Stephen Smoot
Last week’s regular meeting of the Harrison County Commission opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, during discussions concerning the Commission paying vendors and other bills, Commissioners Susan Thomas and David Hinkle asked about two instances where personnel had requested reimbursement for use of personal vehicles for County business. In both cases, the County vehicles had been under repair.
Next, Commission President Thomas read off a proclamation recognizing National Stalking Awareness Month. She read its text, which included facts such as 13.5 million Americans endure being stalked every year and that the “majority of victims are stalked by someone they know.”
This was followed by the proclamation for human trafficking awareness, which stated that it leads to “forced labor or sexual servitude” and is a “$150 billion global criminal enterprise.”
Commissioners went into a lengthy executive session that, upon conclusion, led to a regular session motion from Commissioner Hinkle. He moved “that we budget $2.5 million to finish the South Rail Trail from the Mount Clare Fire Department to the VA Park” and for Thrasher to combine that with another existing contract for service.
Commissioner Hinkle explained that the only section not covered was that which would pay for an interchange between the rail trail and US 19. He added that the motion covered “99.5 percent.” The next major sections to receive attention will include that from North View to Spelter, then “working with the State to get through to Shinnston.”
Commissioners then discussed an issue raised by Charles Pointe project taxpayers last year with the concern that it could reappear this year. In the spring of 2025, a group of taxpayers claimed that they had been assessed improperly. Commissioner Hinkle noted that the issues raised had never been resolved and that the County should send a letter to them reminding them of obligations and due dates for payment.
Commissioner Thomas did not object in principle, but inquired if this lay within the County Commission’s purview. County Attorney Trey Simmerman shared that “it’s good to be proactive” but “we need to talk internally” due to the involvement of other County government entities. Commissioner Hinkle also suggested a work session involving all of the parties, to which Simmerman suggested putting an invitation to that in the proposed letter.
“I just want to make sure we’re not going down the same rabbit holes we did last year,” noted Commissioner Hinkle.
In her County Administrator report, Laura Pysz-Laulis shared that her office was issuing requests for proposal to revamp the Harrison County website, in part to “make it mobile-user friendly.” She also gave “kudos” to Commissioners for their compassionate inclement weather decisions. Commission President Thomas noted that they should work on definitions for inclement weather and related policy details.