[{"_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",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6100689,"mediaKeyId","2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9","parentId",2812717,"title","Commission reviews budget priorities, jail costs and public-safety options; staff outlines insurance and personnel proposals","audioSeconds",298,"startMs",3112000,"endMs",3410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9&start=3112&end=3410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9/thumbnail_3112000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6100689/Fayette-County/West-Virginia/Commission-reviews-budget-priorities-jail-costs-and-public-safety-options-staff-outlines-insurance-and-personnel-proposals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100689-13b441685d5b844c623294b6945c2ed8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579051&Signature=m6AOEtsfVAU3j0WdBL6zw3NL8Ue12y9VaOo-R1u1rkxfvtCYh6T1u-I7DCkOrAxDgqMJTs1wUoOsbFyAyXRfuw6s4m1BCIiTzMSjlVaZp3-vsXz5rsgc-3a5zKxzK7paYhGrQroC99MDlOJ4owk6u-3T4Stodlj1vb00sSrA-qtrUNf2ojc06~0Mak2HQyYA7damLjAQcUAXsUhS~K228DOiBg92r72886nNG0uHvdU1LjffqbrPWuTIO1i2CTz56SZqfQpG8OzafTfvzREqK3hOWBh~c6~Lkx~XeRyCpgGkeOu2sK~YOD0kzds3G9-zQCc0WseZfiX6gxOyZtuDjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fayette County, WV","date","2025-03-28T21:43:39.827Z","article","County staff presented a range of budget proposals and related operational topics, including health insurance options for employees, a proposed gym-reimbursement for deputies, funding requests and options for the Humane Society and spay-and-neuter programs, and an uptick in jail costs driven by increased incarcerations at the Southern Regional Jail.

Health insurance and employee benefits: Staff explained the trade-offs between a health reimbursement arrangement (employer-funded deductible reimbursement) and a health savings account (employee-owned balances), and reminded commissioners that open enrollment runs April 2–May 15. The presentation said a cost-of-living increase could be offered as $2,000 per employee if the commission changes to a new insurance plan (Plan C). Commissioners asked for materials to be distributed to employees.

Gym reimbursement and positions: Commissioners discussed a proposed $30 monthly gym reimbursement for deputies (estimated $13,000 annually) because deputies do not currently have on-site gym access. Staff also described requested new positions including a community corrections case manager, a GPS-monitoring staff position, and an emergency-management/ OEM deputy role; final titles and details would be refined.

Humane Society and spay/neuter funding: Staff proposed keeping the current Humane Society allocation ($2.15 as presented in the packet) and discussed an additional roughly $400,000 in one-time or recurring funds that could be allocated toward spay-and-neuter efforts or other housing-related priorities; commissioners discussed how to balance allocations with contingencies.

Tax receipts and levy discussion: Staff reported excise-tax collections to date: law enforcement excise $1,068,636.36; library fund $488,275.68; fire levy $1,587,563.73; school excess levy $10,092,805.63. Commissioners said they had contacted school leadership about possible relief and noted voters granted the levy authority previously; commissioners discussed options for reducing local tax burdens where the county has statutory discretion.

Jail costs, bond and treatment options: Commissioners and staff discussed rising jail costs and an apparent increase in incarcerated people being sent to Southern Regional Jail. Officials described an increase in cases not eligible for bond and in repeat bond violators (often positive drug screens). The commission discussed alternatives including GPS monitoring, day-reporting and treatment referrals; staff reported Recovery Point facilities are commonly used as treatment placement with some availability in Huntington, Parkersburg and Bluefield. Officials noted practical limits to prosecuting positive drug-screen violations because the underlying controlled substance is not preserved as evidence.

Why it matters: Several items—employee benefits, new positions, charitable allocations, and jail costs—affect the county budget and operational capacity. Commissioners asked staff to further refine proposals and scheduled executive-session discussion of merit-based raises and personnel matters.

Next steps: Staff will distribute detailed insurance materials to employees, refine job titles and descriptions for proposed positions, and return budget proposals for further review. Commissioners signaled willingness to examine levy reductions within the discretion granted by voters and to pursue options such as GPS monitoring and treatment referrals to reduce jail days and related costs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fayette County Commission Meeting March 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff presented budget items including insurance plan choices, a proposed gym reimbursement, new positions, funding for the Humane Society and spay/neuter, and reported excise-tax receipts; commissioners discussed rising jail costs, bond and GPS monitoring options, and availability of treatment beds.","taxTitle","Fayette County, West Virginia","taxId",68907,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_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":73,"_74":73},6100695,"Commission selects West Virginia University Law Clinic to update county Unified Development Code; training and timeline discussed",0,1665000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9&start=1665&end=1665","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9/thumbnail_1665000.jpg","/articles/6100695/Fayette-County/West-Virginia/Commission-selects-West-Virginia-University-Law-Clinic-to-update-county-Unified-Development-Code-training-and-timeline-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100695-59dd684843db1f9e8591bf122d16c670/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579051&Signature=bedLCIliijjjzmc63y71cEjibntFxLK2HL8zmIY4jyHay-DKwGDVIhVcQqH6tnfz7okDKiQVDy-xz4hssbX9QsdENphU-uVtp0C0lhZg5az7UERNNubfPvoJ4xxWDg8NGVoP5dpWnDHC82kD7IlH3OBJ~gUvR~1Bi-PYgXMAy7WCIov1GTxBQ1xCR5VgGpuNaWlP0C9qwScxOHbMOyvpCO8hdRSm9lAj~lnrYloBOEkLbQoBi74jVehHh2NYYCic-rE-IcRQS~yxfnrU2HBZLhz3QJovkh5919usl43Y2BxTFCfFzMtmhJ~4qA9R3IatmYFKuV6W-G6Eo6Fpd8B8NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fayette County Commission confirmed West Virginia University Law Clinic will assist the county in rewriting or updating its Unified Development Code (UDC). Jesse Richardson, representing the clinic, described the work and confirmed the clinic will review the county’s comprehensive plan to align code changes with commission priorities.

Commissioners and staff said the UDC has not had a comprehensive update for many years and is difficult for laypersons to follow; sections date back to 2009 or earlier. Commissioners asked the clinic to emphasize plain-language drafting and to provide training for the Planning Commission and board of zoning appeals. Jesse said the clinic will include training in the timeline and will send a schedule to Angela for coordination. Staff and commissioners agreed training should happen in the coming months.

Why it matters: The UDC governs zoning, subdivisions and development standards; an updated, clearer code could reduce disputes about required materials for applications and align Planning Commission decisions with county planning priorities. Commissioners raised concerns that the Planning Commission had asked applicants for materials beyond what the code requires; they asked for explicit guidance in the UDC and training to prevent inconsistent application of requirements.

Next steps: Jesse will send a project timeline to Angela, who will distribute it to commissioners and schedule initial meetings and training. Commissioners voted to schedule a follow-up or administrative item for March 19 to continue work on related agenda items.","The Fayette County Commission confirmed selection of West Virginia University Law Clinic to revise the county Unified Development Code (UDC), discussed training for the Planning Commission and board of zoning appeals, and asked for a timeline and simpler language for lay readers.",{"_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":73,"_74":73},6100701,"Commission awards two construction contracts, approves vouchers and moves small fire reimbursement to general fund; postpones one grant item",79,493000,572000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9&start=493&end=572","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9/thumbnail_493000.jpg","/articles/6100701/Fayette-County/West-Virginia/Commission-awards-two-construction-contracts-approves-vouchers-and-moves-small-fire-reimbursement-to-general-fund-postpones-one-grant-item","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100701-469083c8f613a8eccec277ec8da28f2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579051&Signature=N~bdfcLrQ0PopPhtydQzdhFwJGDyZGEK5BbyJCVvh4ffDTUQzPWC83HrYrwd11lWXRsNldqjqJCadvCLGfO7Pq9Z7w3cIkzCIYabR8mj~vV-ROV~uo0GYIZE8KrbncOwNYC6EYnHAjfR7dFYJws2f7HPhGLHS-JwrgRQZZaB7sDu1Xfvgqt~73ImMWuc4fJqsAYKr0J0uBUUw1jzGwQhFTAG99-pZiFnwbvYsU1SpeSiYV5B1Ksb84ZVqzJX8YiaJ1gRuF5YudRP6hSfwyy6-qq0yQ6Xl9G0pzTSu8~dOZgJVKegsQ8TL~Zyl-c6HOupPj1jzdTAAQJ4m5WrxJDBLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fayette County Commission awarded two construction contracts, approved routine vouchers (including a disputed pizza reimbursement), and postponed a community corrections grant item to the next meeting.

Contracts: Commissioners awarded the pile project bid to Nader Nicholas Masonry for $81,900 and awarded the Memorial Building porch project to New River Contracting for $25,549 after staff reported those were the lowest responsive bids. Motions to award were moved and seconded and carried on voice votes.

Vouchers and reimbursements: The commission approved vouchers and invoices as presented, with one separate motion to move a $90 pizza reimbursement for responders in Dainese from the fire levy to the General County fund. Commissioners said the county will address reimbursement policy language to clarify when general funds should cover small operating expenses versus the fire levy; staff will document the approach for future reimbursements.

Postponements: An item described as the 'community corrections grama' (state grant matter) was postponed to the county's next meeting at the requester’s suggestion while the county awaits additional information from the state. Commissioners moved and seconded the postponement; the item was rescheduled for March 19.

Why it matters: The contract awards commit county work to specific contractors and set expected project costs; the voucher and reimbursement decisions clarify immediate accounting choices and indicate staff will refine reimbursement policy. The postponed grant item was delayed to allow staff to gather missing state information before taking final action.

Votes and motions: Each contract award and the voucher/pizza reimbursement motion were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The community corrections grant item was formally postponed to the next meeting.","Fayette County commissioners awarded two low bids for county projects, approved vouchers and a $90 pizza reimbursement moved to the General County account, and postponed a community corrections grant item to the next meeting.",{"_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":73,"_74":73},6100705,"Commission approves rezoning for Hobo House property on Court Street (Z-544-2571)",202,2847000,3049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9&start=2847&end=3049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9/thumbnail_2847000.jpg","/articles/6100705/Fayette-County/West-Virginia/Commission-approves-rezoning-for-Hobo-House-property-on-Court-Street-Z-544-2571","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100705-f086b05c6fbba92a247296556e304f74/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579051&Signature=EDdmeCmdYeGr8QKHVzzo3gdZ6Q~893CHKz~KrqWE4Pkx~Aht-uUgAI7ZkOhLlE8E4WGGRI4F4Bk9bC~iOfoTnYuF8tWuHSRao~BEjLRH0hbPJOlQ-50p-fh6VUdKBiiI5G5kpgsM-D3MskP1m509PMxcFJhlYLY74FFMNnLMyvDlHR5NmYAzdnbjwnc4OLjED7LlU36SilbBFkwCp73Z35cZeoTp3hpKBXn5fGnXVs1HYf9pUwLSUDw6Ms8xwQMuzfw2PgWDAz3KnGChiqhATYI8AeK1w~L68EhlG7rrXNXxlc4ILOR1jGwy~QYip3LENi2LKTxPU~MOksw7zQ9VCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fayette County Commission voted to uphold the Planning Commission recommendation and approved rezoning for the property associated with Hobo House LLC, moving the parcel from RR (rural residential) to B-2 commercial (case Z-544-2571).

Planning staff said the parcel had historically functioned with commercial uses even though the official zoning had remained rural residential; the applicant, Ben (last name not specified), said he purchased the property unaware that it was still zoned RR and intends to use it for a restaurant and business operations that fit the B-2 classification. Staff noted the property adjoins existing commercial parcels and has city water and sewer connections.

Why it matters: Approving the change aligns official zoning with existing land use and allowed the owner to proceed without special-use complications. Commissioners who supported the rezoning cited surrounding land use and the applicant's plans for a restaurant as justification.

Outcome: A motion to uphold the Planning Commission recommendation and approve the rezoning carried on a voice vote. The applicant provided a Fayetteville address for record and staff said the decision would be communicated in writing.","The Fayette County Commission approved a rezoning request to reclassify the Hobo House parcel from rural residential to B-2 to align the lot’s official zoning with surrounding commercial uses.",{"_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":73,"_74":73},6100709,"Fayette County Commission denies rezoning request for Riverwind Retreat site after widespread resident opposition",1561,1170000,2731000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9&start=1170&end=2731","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812717-57424a2f3ea881176b289471efa29ea9/thumbnail_1170000.jpg","/articles/6100709/Fayette-County/West-Virginia/Fayette-County-Commission-denies-rezoning-request-for-Riverwind-Retreat-site-after-widespread-resident-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100709-f93a08f7c575aa1e52e0bb088cb70a36/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579051&Signature=kNMayHKTr72ipgbXltETKKsRxo6yjq4~GgcIrztWSil1~AVYfnfT3AMchnDwdsAsGDVHmt4O5etVK1kmE8VdvHcUBaZh6TqA54RZnBxuZY1Bb4VYFxbDYAHf2kQkYq5~JJqFnM33wgzIfUh8o-EjRUjQrAwAK22hdcAH1sz5JelQFznEoKDMvDjMrRRTWYMHjl6SywxfoHM5HZLKXQPi9qdAHygSS~-BhVPyDAO00Okzj5Jsb-7nrtKVXQA278cO-MrXDcw2~Y0ahn0fq5jIv3-IsrBtEFHig58AaxPb2A~4xFfPMLt7MZ0g6~IohMxpFhzbnjhLu5kQvsGxGE3W9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fayette County Commission voted to deny a request by Riverwind Retreat LLC to reclassify a parcel from RR (rural residential) to B-3 (business tourism), reversing the Planning Commission's recommendation and halting plans for cabins and an event barn on the site.

The motion to deny the Planning Commission recommendation passed on a voice vote after residents described the neighborhood as quiet, served by a single-lane road, and unsuited to extra traffic from short-term rentals and wedding events. Planning staff had read the application as case Z-543-25-1, describing the property and the Planning Commission action. The applicant, Nathan Thomas, told the commission the proposal would include four one-bedroom rental cabins and a pole barn event space intended for weddings and similar gatherings.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the rezoning would change the character of a long-established rural neighborhood and raised concerns about narrow roads, safety for pedestrians and horses, and impacts on longstanding family properties. Several nearby residents, some with generations-long ties to the land, opposed the change during the official public comment period.

The planning staff acknowledged that many nearby residents did not receive mailed notice and said the county will start using certified mail for future planning notices to address the problem. Commissioners also discussed the need for plain-language rules and training for the Planning Commission and board of zoning appeals so applicants and neighbors understand requirements.

Applicant presentation and neighbors' objections: Nathan Thomas described the plan as small-scale short-term rentals and an event barn located along the golf course, with on-site check-in and one-way circulation for traffic. Neighbors including Christie Bryant and Brenda Bryant Shurkey described the area as peaceful and said the single-lane Browns Road cannot safely handle event traffic. Multiple speakers said the development would change the character of the neighborhood, damage family property uses, and create public-safety concerns, including traffic, illegal access to adjacent golf course property, and fire risk in wooded areas.

Commissioners' reasoning: One commissioner said rezoning from residential to business is effectively irreversible and noted that the area has no nearby commercial development, making the requested change inconsistent with the neighborhood's character. That commissioner said she was “leaning against” upholding the Planning Commission recommendation before the public comment period concluded.

Outcome and next steps: The motion to deny the rezoning request carried; the commission will send a written notice to the applicant. Planning staff said they will improve notice procedures by using certified mail for affected property owners going forward. The applicant and neighbors were advised the decision and any further steps will be communicated in writing.

Votes at a glance: The commission voted to deny the Planning Commission's recommendation to reclassify the property in case Z-543-25-1 (motion moved and seconded; outcome: motion passed by voice vote). No roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.","The Fayette County Commission voted to deny a developer's request to reclassify a parcel from rural residential to business tourism (Z-543-25-1) after lengthy public comment citing road safety, neighborhood character and notice problems.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission reviews budget priorities, jail costs and public-safety options; staff outlines insurance and personnel proposals

Commission selects West Virginia University Law Clinic to update county Unified Development Code; training and timeline discussed

Commission awards two construction contracts, approves vouchers and moves small fire reimbursement to general fund; postpones one grant item

Commission approves rezoning for Hobo House property on Court Street (Z-544-2571)

Fayette County Commission denies rezoning request for Riverwind Retreat site after widespread resident opposition