Commissioner Moffitt faces request to recuse from sheriff's office promotion discussions

The Berkeley County Civil Service Planning Commission held a special meeting on April 8, 2025, to address several contentious issues, primarily revolving around conflicts of interest and procedural concerns regarding personnel matters.

The meeting began with a discussion about the recusal of Commissioner Moffitt from specific agenda items due to alleged disparaging remarks made towards fellow commissioner Dobson and his family. Commissioner Dobson expressed his concerns about Moffitt's comments and suggested that Moffitt should recuse himself from hearing issues related to his family, specifically agenda items 2025-10 and 2025-11. Moffitt responded with confusion, stating he was unaware of making any disparaging remarks and was open to recusal if deemed necessary.

As the discussion progressed, it became evident that the meeting was struggling to maintain order and focus. Commissioner Dobson emphasized the importance of addressing the agenda items efficiently, noting that the ongoing conflict was hindering progress. He ultimately decided to withdraw his request for Moffitt's recusal but insisted on formally noting the issue for the record.

The meeting then shifted to the agenda item concerning a request for hearing information regarding Corporal Philip Butcher, which had been previously postponed. Commissioner Dobson recused himself from this matter, citing potential conflicts due to his son's eligibility for promotions within the department. He referenced an ethics advisory opinion from the West Virginia Ethics Commission, which allowed him to serve on the commission but required him to recuse himself from matters directly affecting his son.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of personnel decisions within the sheriff's department, particularly regarding the assignment and promotion of officers. Chief Deputy Tom Chung clarified that the department does not deny positions but rather assigns them based on need.

As the meeting continued, procedural concerns were raised about the validity of previous motions and the adherence to the West Virginia Meetings Act. The atmosphere remained tense, with commissioners struggling to navigate the complexities of the issues at hand while ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

In conclusion, the special meeting highlighted significant challenges within the Berkeley County Civil Service Planning Commission, particularly regarding conflicts of interest and the need for clear procedural guidelines. The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining ethical integrity while addressing personnel matters, setting the stage for future deliberations on these critical issues.