Jefferson County Commission Approves Grant Application, Poll Workers, and Real Estate Broker Search
The Jefferson County Commission unanimously approved a Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative federal grant application at its March 19, 2026 meeting. Commissioners also approved hiring a Director of Economic Development, authorized a search for a commercial real estate broker, and passed a resolution related to the Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium. All votes were unanimous.
Consent Agenda
The commission approved all consent agenda items without objection. These included minutes from the March 5, 2026 regular meeting, accounts payable totaling $694,494.41 across two pay periods, manual checks totaling $762,010.77, payroll totaling $953,525.24 for two pay periods, and requisitions of $922,391.35.
Vote: Passed (no objection, unanimous).
Hire Approval — Director of Economic Development
The commission approved hiring a Director of Economic Development, who will also serve as Executive Director of the Jefferson County Development Authority.
Vote: Passed (no objection, unanimous).
Poll Worker Approval — 2026 Primary Election
Nikki Painter from the Jefferson County Clerk's Office presented the poll worker and alternate lists for the 2026 Primary Election. Commissioner Stolipher motioned to approve the lists as presented.
Vote: Passed 5-0.
Girl Scouts Presentation
A representative from Girl Scouts (GSUSA) Jefferson County Service Unit 15-08 gave a presentation. No official action was taken.
Request for Qualifications — Commercial Real Estate Broker
Laura Kuhn, Director of Fleet and Facilities Management, presented a draft Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find a commercial real estate brokerage firm. Commissioner Stolipher motioned to approve releasing the RFQ.
Vote: Passed 5-0.
Ambulance Fee Exonerations
Chief Financial Officer David Bound presented ambulance fee adjustments and exonerations for commission approval. Commissioner Hefestay motioned to approve the adjustments as presented.
Vote: Passed 5-0.
Budget Adjustments
CFO David Bound also presented budget adjustments for the commission's approval. Commissioner Stolipher motioned to approve.
Vote: Passed 5-0.
Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative Grant
The commission approved submitting a federal grant application under the Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative. Commissioners authorized signing the required Appendix 1 document and SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance. A separate motion authorized the County Administrator to sign supporting grant documents.
Vote (grant application and federal documents): Passed 5-0.
Vote (County Administrator signing authority): Passed 5-0.
Public Hearing — Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium
The commission opened a public hearing on a resolution related to the Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium. No public comment was received. The hearing was closed and the commission approved the resolution as presented.
Vote (open hearing): Passed 5-0.
Vote (close hearing): Passed 5-0.
Vote (approve resolution): Passed 5-0.
Legal Counsel Report — Charles Town Utility Board and Circuit Court Case
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Cochran reported on the commission's options for representation on the Charles Town Utility Board and ways to improve services to county residents. He also reported on developments in Jefferson County Circuit Court Case No. CC-19-2023-C-221. The commission voted to enter executive session to receive legal advice, then returned to regular session. No public action was reported following the executive session.
Vote (enter executive session): Passed 5-0.
Vote (reconvene regular session): Passed 5-0.
WV Legislative Session Overview
County Administrator Edwina Benites-LM provided an overview of the West Virginia legislative session. This item was informational only. No official action was taken.
Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Vote: Passed (unanimous).