[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6279543,"mediaKeyId","2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d","parentId",2622424,"title","Resident urges Berkeley County to commission independent forensic audit of finances","audioSeconds",74,"startMs",3721000,"endMs",3795000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d&start=3721&end=3795","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d/thumbnail_3721000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6279543/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Resident-urges-Berkeley-County-to-commission-independent-forensic-audit-of-finances","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279543-9203b7f9d2d519d0fd8916cd74bd7e89/orig.mp4?Expires=1775401214&Signature=Oq7I-piTBZYVmcTwW5lENI~8FW0~Ye-hrmOzBrlCOzDMWkaBPsPQJ6DwKEm3I69QLo5hsp4LFWaE~M3kdfPQA7P7Sq2oSlTfuRNKylpbTriuel~3vwHyqwTtFVzZ2QFVICSVvMaEjzv3IsjU~4YvBkAj-wQzuRHEM-aYu62od-IHJVAX4mXtreYdk9qvmnOdFjU3fLZv4ix16ck8iif0Ilg8jRKwb9NvPgODg5yjCGILttkkBQfVfcILi8LmB-o--AJPTONKo6UHirj0mIauxkQN4dmQjP7QDcNHMQOdlXSH1j0-4Dk4ptmzMC2Wnf8O3ncOK0IT3B1aFB2JPfj0mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-14T03:26:49Z","article","During the public-comment period on March 13, resident Sean Wilt questioned whether Berkeley County has ever commissioned an independent, third-party financial or forensic audit beyond the annual state audit and urged the commission to consider one.

Wilt, a county resident since 1992, asked whether a third-party audit of the county’s books and return on investment for county expenditures — including the county’s $200,000-a-year lobbyist contract — had been performed in the past decade. He said state audits meet statutory requirements but urged a more detailed review to provide taxpayers with a clearer accounting of how local funds are spent.

County staff and commissioners responded that the county undergoes an annual audit required by the State Auditor’s Office and that those audits are performed by an external auditing firm as part of the statutory process. Commissioners acknowledged the public comment and the statutory audit schedule; no action was taken on the request at the meeting.

Next steps: Wilt’s request was recorded in the public record; commissioners did not commit to commissioning an additional forensic audit during the March 13 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Berkeley County Commission Meeting 3/13/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident asked the commission during public comment whether Berkeley County has ever obtained an independent third-party or forensic audit beyond the state-required annual audit and urged the county to commission one.","taxTitle","Berkeley County, West Virginia","taxId",58957,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6279548,"County administrator to solicit market proposals for employee health insurance",211,4178000,4389000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d&start=4178&end=4389","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d/thumbnail_4178000.jpg","/articles/6279548/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/County-administrator-to-solicit-market-proposals-for-employee-health-insurance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279548-e0fe9f65478d349c4a240f94e403a158/orig.mp4?Expires=1775401214&Signature=kYUR6RuGRzVsPQoFykiaIeJvpmMNv2PkfIiJPInEFQr2fOE4m-8aR1JbMZOscNoghyO~IMroPoRb1vqcl3ksT5sNJ130VwMm67W0K8~bRxZqwLCXuQ~FhkFhzXJmHaLQ25FzRL~ISlNgAzP7bXAzc0WgonxoB847Q6CbgZ9-w4JkI4z04QkyXmo4y~veZ3H4hDiOAOMy~xbOQVdI5Al0qrX1sFeZXr72btYWhMKAQxxv7yXyPJCfyNLiLqJn6dN~mh5SCdnThzI79SDD63JoEr2zrKsdLMRnum~h6W47msvYTQFcTBXJQybAgozz6qSi07PszNjASQnRWGBAOIWang__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Berkeley County commissioners gave county staff consensus on March 13 to put employee health insurance coverage out to bid and explore market options for the plan that expires June 30.

County staff said last year’s renewal process resulted in a negotiated outcome that passed about a 4% premium increase to employees after an initial 25% renewal demand from the incumbent carrier. Staff and administrators told commissioners the county’s employees have reduced utilization and the county’s market position improved, but that carriers again proposed substantial increases in renewal pricing this year.

County staff told commissioners the county currently spends about $3.7 million annually on health-care premiums and maintains an HRA balance around $1.3 million. The administrator said he was prepared to publish an RFP as soon as the next day so the county can compare the incumbent’s renewal to competitive offers; staff will continue negotiations with the incumbent while soliciting proposals.

Why it matters: Health-care premiums are one of the county’s largest recurring costs and affect employee take-home pay when employers pass part of the increase to staff. Commissioners said they supported soliciting market options to test the price and coverage available.

Next steps: County staff will issue an RFP and continue negotiating with the current carrier; staff said they will ensure continuity of coverage for employees regardless of whether the county changes carriers.","County staff received commission consensus to request proposals for the county's next health insurance plan after receiving a steep preliminary renewal; staff will continue negotiations with current carrier while testing market options.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6279552,"American Red Cross representative asks Berkeley County to declare March Red Cross Month",230,628000,858000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d&start=628&end=858","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d/thumbnail_628000.jpg","/articles/6279552/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/American-Red-Cross-representative-asks-Berkeley-County-to-declare-March-Red-Cross-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279552-f89970568862737d6aa27457a77bc12b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775401214&Signature=E~BoqpiAxgF2fNjX74LLNImN7AXpAy3rc5YvfFpreU8xtxupR~ogl9iOmAK4BfoBdaRjfxOphAUVo9Iu-2C9CjoeahrjVpVHXFVE-X8TYBRJkYedHfI4IRXuENhxfABV5VnF-~3MACxWSyuX-JS6XMHttZjYP2AhtE29TtS9Galk68mFYr5DeyC6Sl4zUA8pzbnKsF09WuTTqdByqBjiQWXrX5Ozh8oux00YzPqTlaK2ceGdRmeQ5eix3gs6AN6jDGsRl0IwHd9-WlsLiDWRe~Wby8uYT9aGFd5gHT8nxUcmD9LAo1ttdI3TN48Mvwie4jHiu3-EOA409QSMP9fUJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Josh Mongold, board chair for the American Red Cross Greater Shenandoah Valley chapter, addressed the Berkeley County Commission on March 13 to request that the county declare March as Red Cross Month and to outline local Red Cross activity.

Mongold said his chapter covers a multi-county region including Berkeley County and described rising disaster demand: the Red Cross responded on average to three natural disasters per year in 1980, he said, compared with 27 responses last year and a projection to double that number this year. He also highlighted local services: last year in Berkeley County the chapter collected nearly 900 units of blood, assisted about 20 families who experienced a disaster, installed roughly 20 smoke alarms, provided more than 140 services to military veterans and trained nearly 900 people in lifesaving skills.

Mongold noted the ongoing need for blood donations and volunteers and said the chapter is expanding its local board and outreach. He provided a printed proclamation to county staff and signaled willingness to meet with the commission or staff to finalize the recognition.

Commission responses: Commissioners thanked Mongold and several county leaders praised the Red Cross’s role after fires and other emergencies, noting fast response by Red Cross personnel and cooperation with local fire departments and emergency management.

Next steps: Mongold said he provided a copy of the proclamation to county staff; county staff indicated they would process the document and return it to him. No formal vote on the proclamation was recorded in the meeting minutes.","Josh Mongold, board chair for the American Red Cross Greater Shenandoah Valley chapter, requested a March proclamation recognizing volunteers and the need for blood donations and disaster preparedness in Berkeley County.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6279557,"Commissioners interview candidates and accept resignation for Farmland Protection Board",351,1700000,2051000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d&start=1700&end=2051","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d/thumbnail_1700000.jpg","/articles/6279557/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Commissioners-interview-candidates-and-accept-resignation-for-Farmland-Protection-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279557-f06f74db3bd813c8760e6f5ce47df32c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775401214&Signature=SwXJzHmPjmwP4O0uNt-LbTwG4xULbDnGdCap93PQ042RTO0jOJU483uDo3GUbWtDlFXPQ9kComoeyC18tYXDGetTVaPIyvkkRwS9E0EVJ71Tz1lssNQGnRBmhLtn8asuWYvSDslBifj5IIpoL03KOCF~Yil-UTZe5nfcL8EQOyEaAPpvma8Cd2dDn41fBqm6161l6O1UhIJGDZN~O1RSvWWGvyoD4J5rj9rxfFxsnJBZYHjQxqsMk2O7RzgCknGlntMC6DzGqi5Oj6NWpx~POjbY~jsvvKZRNmEG1VKTHyJff~LSmOJzyhqw2sC11swVvOiei9w8upU09QagjWyE2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Berkeley County commissioners on March 13 received a letter of resignation from long-serving Farmland Protection Board member George Miller and heard two applicants for vacancies on the board.

The commission announced it would schedule an interview for applicant Garland Elliott Jr.; Penny in the county office was asked to arrange that interview. Commissioners also heard presentations from Betsy Plummer and Beth Morgan (maiden name Poncione), who described their farming backgrounds and interest in farmland preservation and the board’s work.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the Farmland Protection program preserves agricultural acreage amid growth pressures; the board’s decisions and easements affect how private farmland may be used, what modifications landowners can make and whether land might be conserved for future public uses such as parks.

Applicants’ remarks and board discussion: Plummer said she has lived in the Spring Mills area for more than 20 years, has a small farm and experience in public service; she expressed interest in exploring whether the program’s restrictions could be adjusted to allow modest modifications while preserving easement goals. Morgan said she grew up on a family farm, works in ag insurance and serves on the Berkeley County Youth Fair Board; she said she wants to help educate the community about what farmland protection means for landowners.

Commissioners asked applicants how they would approach farmers’ complaints that easements can be overly restrictive — for example, preventing certain structures on property placed in protection by prior generations — and whether farmland easements could at times be used to acquire or convert property for public recreation. Both candidates supported exploring options and said they would review program policy before proposing changes.

Background and next steps: The commission noted George Miller was the longest-serving member and will be honored with a plaque. The county will interview Garland Elliott Jr. and continue its selection process to fill the two open seats; no appointment was made at the March 13 meeting.

Procedural note: No formal vote to appoint candidates was taken at the meeting; the commission will consider interviews and applications in subsequent meetings.","The commission received a resignation, scheduled interviews and heard two candidates seeking appointments to the Farmland Protection Board; members discussed possible changes to easement restrictions and using farmland easements for parkland.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6279562,"Berkeley County tables FY2025-26 budget after debate over funding five sheriff deputies",865,2583000,3448000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d&start=2583&end=3448","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2622424-8d7d506f2ddc105c5a6d2f34ae20897d/thumbnail_2583000.jpg","/articles/6279562/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Berkeley-County-tables-FY2025-26-budget-after-debate-over-funding-five-sheriff-deputies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6279562-bbd9616dcbe8d8a79d49b89abbcdb741/orig.mp4?Expires=1775401214&Signature=dxidDJszY3JfKbMgw70F4cNbfrkePkR4APrB8t-27YmirBkNZapq0KjrwMJCXxeqxgYOFG7dHN0JvIq1lSGJA-4~ObRnapawjLz17maFmJNWifBGI5R-Dn5ZQU5rtbnMr0hkxM0v5SVtN1jeBcMv8t-KQd6sElBN5K5p~GwSVF3oFOWOz5o5PpdGQU92bLwUGazU1TJsyl-RaGQ0yIaj9i6j32tyV0BzAHtB6PfiApVnhOCeJrRFENRMAyj60cucC7ZctccX58a63m78bQcu3B0pwyK~SREbX8FaTm1LyxbgiZuK7-KpObIg62BmEJmtxJ6xYDdJ7dtURHDtFgDWoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Berkeley County commissioners on March 13 voted to table final adoption of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget after a lengthy discussion about whether to raise the county levy to fund five additional deputy sheriffs.

The discussion centered on a proposal — described by one commissioner as an increase in the levy rate from $13.39 to $13.92 — that would generate enough recurring revenue to add five deputies the sheriff has said he can put on the road. Commissioners agreed to delay adoption for one week and requested a full breakdown of per-officer costs, equipment, vehicles and the anticipated timing and effect of soon-to-be-collected impact fees.

Why it matters: Commissioners said public safety staffing has lagged county population growth and that shortages put pressure on local law enforcement and emergency services. The decision to delay gives commissioners time to weigh whether to fund hires from a levy increase now or use other anticipated revenue streams, such as impact fees expected by mid-summer.

Most of the discussion was policy and timing rather than a final appropriation. County staff presented the draft budget and revenue estimates: “The total projected revenue … $54,397,403,” a county staff member said while summarizing the draft. Commissioners debated how quickly new hires could be recruited and whether impact fees, legislative options or other revenue sources could cover equipment and cruiser costs.

Several commissioners said recruiting remains a constraint. Commissioners also noted that a levy increase on a sample $200,000 assessed home would amount to roughly $21 per year under the larger proposal; using a higher local median market value of $296,000 was suggested as an alternate basis for public impact calculations.

Procedural action: A motion to table adoption of the FY2025-26 budget until next Thursday was moved and seconded and passed on a voice vote. The chair called the ayes and said the motion carried; one commissioner later requested the record show a recorded “no” on that table motion. Commissioners asked the administrator to return with exact per-officer cost estimates, equipment and cruiser costs, and projected timing of impact-fee revenue before the next meeting.

Background: Commissioners said the county’s law-enforcement workforce has grown modestly in recent years but remains well below national staffing benchmarks cited by local officials; commissioners noted past increases in EMS and fire staffing made in recent budget cycles.

What's next: County staff will prepare a detailed cost breakdown for the commission, including per-officer salary and benefits, outfitting and vehicle costs, and revised revenue estimates that incorporate projected impact-fee receipts. The commission will reconvene next Thursday to revisit budget adoption and any proposed levy adjustment.","Commissioners delayed final adoption of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget after weeks of discussion and a proposal to raise the levy rate to hire five additional deputy sheriffs; the commission asked staff for a detailed cost breakdown and will revisit the budget next Thursday.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

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Commissioners interview candidates and accept resignation for Farmland Protection Board

Berkeley County tables FY2025-26 budget after debate over funding five sheriff deputies