[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6246954,"mediaKeyId","3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b","parentId",3213585,"title","Commission reviews magistrate phone reimbursements; staff told to align practice with state code","audioSeconds",89,"startMs",3601000,"endMs",3690000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b&start=3601&end=3690","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b/thumbnail_3601000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6246954/Morgan-County/West-Virginia/Commission-reviews-magistrate-phone-reimbursements-staff-told-to-align-practice-with-state-code","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246954-3fef0a9fba5e05613556cb7f61afa9e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1774941020&Signature=T6I~ZxY7Pjix6iZ0a4rfNHpFEWE0ICVYgzzltJOJgOA0dxVVCyQpPQzURBUb7mIdI98PbFXsxcX6JysMmi6xO4MPIkXusWhYz5PsxM2vI8IoIXolcyj2ygKT09gDXIOolzdHgzrxU3uJc4lCCxokn74ppeyiZ~sTVtzNU-lo~0f3iqqgxOmxvhcCzLOipqA3XVPLTUl~vpfxrHLcpDbI~DdAU1wAj82yWfaWog6BJcGpNPHj3D6LMWwLpPkZ9YZnoqM2GYO5ErMUQEqOe~Ru003Y2l~DyBW5rJVlfxvi8qC~VpMiqVhkarYIqS4ntFEuFDOVfgnX3Z-neNINYfUqOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Morgan County, WV","date","2025-05-08T04:32:25Z","article","Morgan County commissioners discussed the county practice of reimbursing magistrates for telephone expenses and directed staff to align county practice with state code.

What the meeting covered: County staff and commissioners reviewed the statutory language that allows magistrates to choose reimbursement for either a landline or a cellular telephone but not both. The transcript referenced a state code amendment from February 2019 that includes a $29.99 monthly cap for cellular reimbursements; the meeting also noted a customary landline figure of roughly $54 per month used in local practice, although the county could not identify where that specific landline cap originated.

Why it matters: County officials found they were sometimes paying both a courthouse landline and reimbursing magistrates’ personal phones, creating unclear accounting and possible overpayment relative to state rules. Commissioners instructed staff to confirm available magistrate fund balances and to ask individual magistrates which option they prefer (landline or cell) so the county can follow the code and document reimbursements correctly.

Next steps and guidance: Staff was asked to confirm whether magistrate work fund balances (magistrate court fund) can be used to absorb reimbursements and how year‑end carryover of those funds is handled. The county will also ensure reimbursement amounts reflect the state‑specified cap for cell reimbursements unless the county adopts a different legally authorized arrangement after confirming guidance from state authorities.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to return with a clean summary of the applicable code section, current reimbursements being paid, fund balances, and a plan to bring county practice into compliance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/7/2025 Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The commission reviewed magistrate telephone reimbursements after discovering the county had been paying both cell and landline costs in some cases; staff were directed to confirm available magistrate funds and to implement the state code’s limit of reimbursement for one line (cell or landline), with a cell cap referenced in law.","taxTitle","Morgan County, West Virginia","taxId",73514,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6246958,"Commissioners agree to seed wellness center account; ask for clearer accounting and court order",373,6823000,7196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b&start=6823&end=7196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b/thumbnail_6823000.jpg","/articles/6246958/Morgan-County/West-Virginia/Commissioners-agree-to-seed-wellness-center-account-ask-for-clearer-accounting-and-court-order","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246958-bfee710f0f8b71677c029d8fdf538e39/orig.mp4?Expires=1774941020&Signature=ngSGXSfAZ~tfapRvuauheADWKD1K4HmwcEpVlz2LCPKbVMOxGWW08wc~oYl1me8r0~njbnug7w1kpApnGY~uvDLaSK53L0ds8R~6chPF9H44dpHOCgvYvSK0AsqpjHYxe3J2RBh-~0kWkN9AUdkHbg1~VLra752lwKFR7nyYlz2RSTtPs12sU7i64qtJc035bgpfCUrOFdoeYcEPdjoVXNwgf0IyQTdRcz76wFkN57dCisNdlW5ImTR3COY34dER6PGyqmw0o4K0ghHVEzGZ7UZpLF88cS8-sa4UgBAwsJ9uvLGKSJe5-LeOhEry2hD21bMtABjzBYp5bFXuw-e5bQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Morgan County commissioners on May 7 discussed the wellness center’s finances at length and agreed on immediate steps to regularize the facility’s accounting and cash flow.

Why it matters: The wellness center generates membership fees and rents. Commissioners said the center lacked a clear county-managed account to receive those revenues and to pay operating bills; for now the county and the center have been using separate accounts and ad hoc reimbursements. Commissioners agreed the current arrangement risks confusion and could complicate budgeting and oversight.

What the commission agreed: After discussion the commission directed staff to seed a county-managed wellness-center account with $50,000 as “seed” or working capital and to authorize an additional $5,000 payment for equipment (for example sporting equipment) already authorized. Commissioners asked county finance staff to prepare a court order or formal transfer so the funding is properly documented. The commission and staff also agreed the center’s operator should provide monthly revenue reports (for example cutoffs of March 31 and April 30) so claims and reimbursements can be reconciled promptly.

Clarifications requested by commissioners: Commissioners asked staff to confirm whether funds for magistrate and other small dedicated funds are being pooled incorrectly and to confirm where payroll and other recurring wellness‑center expenses should be charged. They directed staff to set up the specific fund number (discussed as fund 277 in the meeting) for county accounting, so future receipts and payments are transparent and traceable.

Next steps: County staff will prepare the court order and accounting entries, set up the wellness‑center seed fund and circulate instructions for monthly remittance reporting by the center operator. Commissioners said they will revisit the center’s technology and equipment requests at the next meeting once the account and reporting are in place.

Ending: The action is intended as a short-term cash‑flow and accounting fix that provides transparency while the county and wellness‑center operator settle a longer-term operating process.","After prolonged discussion about how the Morgan County Wellness Center’s revenues and bills should be handled, commissioners agreed to establish a county account seeded with $50,000 and to cut an additional $5,000 check for equipment — with staff instructed to prepare required orders and clarify monthly reporting and reimbursement procedures.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6246962,"Commission orders fiduciary-commissioner fees paid from estate in Shelby matter",805,1831000,2636000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b&start=1831&end=2636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b/thumbnail_1831000.jpg","/articles/6246962/Morgan-County/West-Virginia/Commission-orders-fiduciary-commissioner-fees-paid-from-estate-in-Shelby-matter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246962-8de5d2abf27637a9b412a0b80a9fd2c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1774941020&Signature=jd1BDIZjqabhbUBApbTnyyqsN0NQcveC8aDZACY6G9hLTvRBPobQZOg3tPo-NifvykCWbUbK6Eu7LnMKBo-ppGDr5d~GF9O0jIr2A4~ip57UmBMyNze0H-FMMRF2p-dSPYom6cdZTJdc~TRKzkdMZC-pk0z5qnfuNkTHmmiSeivzasRVxba9Z-YjHeB54-qTD7KW9ixzfu5YiMCPMgO9ZQQUT457y~bohKrT5rlurqpU21cbsJZMQ8uCvGS8WavJdEBnVzbC4R4WSTagT1caUwhqPnqFLIRaJI84c~bYvj2KK14ArwLVH40HBlzAgzd3BIA5V-Hp8PoMJJU9mduIHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Morgan County commissioners on May 7 heard a contested matter involving the estate of James Westmore Shelby and a report from the fiduciary commissioner. Parties in the room included attorneys representing the executors and objectors and the county prosecuting attorney.

Why it matters: The commission reviewed the fiduciary commissioner’s findings and recommendations and determined how the fiduciary‑commissioner’s fees should be allocated in settling the estate. The question before the commission was whether the fiduciary commissioner’s fees should be treated as an expense of the estate or charged personally to the co‑executors, who are also beneficiaries.

What was presented: Attorneys for the parties reviewed the fiduciary commissioner’s report and the estate record. One attorney representing the executors said he agreed that aspects were not handled correctly but asked that the fiduciary commissioner’s fees be paid as an estate expense rather than deducted from the executors’ shares. Objecting counsel argued the co‑executors’ failures made an allocation to the co‑executors appropriate. The fiduciary commissioner explained his rationale for recommending the fees be charged to the co‑executors because of the executors’ role in delaying settlement.

Commission action: After discussion, a commissioner moved and the commission voted to have the fiduciary commissioner’s fees paid out of the estate. The commission also approved the fiduciary commissioner’s findings of fact and directed staff to prepare a proposed court order circulating the order to the parties.

Background/next steps: The commissioners instructed county staff and counsel to produce a proposed order reflecting the commission’s vote and the approved portions of the fiduciary‑commissioner’s report. The sheriff’s office, probate staff and counsel will be provided the order for implementation as needed.

Ending: With the vote, the fiduciary commissioner’s fees will be treated as estate administration expenses and will reduce the estate’s balance before distributions to heirs.","After a hearing on the estate of James Westmore Shelby, the county commission approved the fiduciary commissioner's recommendations and ruled the fiduciary commissioner's fees to be paid from the estate rather than charged to co-executors personally.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6246967,"Commission approves iNDigital contract to modernize 9‑1‑1 system; county to absorb upfront costs",1509,3849000,5358000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b&start=3849&end=5358","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b/thumbnail_3849000.jpg","/articles/6246967/Morgan-County/West-Virginia/Commission-approves-iNDigital-contract-to-modernize-911-system-county-to-absorb-upfront-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246967-c9438980a547e0aa359777f6c5709ee3/orig.mp4?Expires=1774941020&Signature=hpCSDMjfRP2oSaHiwf6xzRwxTqPeNOWDH0VmNGdaYP538kB770KGDBgVz214pPqT7X0tjKO4xWoxSOPPpe4dfClfTywNd3IiqWBoWuynbl9id713F4su70fnhBipSvXC3943iF7pJDaVF-5wX~hfmIqmOcze2qnoi66~6N0R9GJqFlEVSBnAZOQrdPcAAi9FhCeAx2qe2hKljsSt0j7S81iHM1O09m4XdWcljbSnic-76Mk4DjSxDUOyfuKocQKcpnMPLz39SqaatMiSSo~wDYcAtfcP7F6CXHfWqWXAI8bx6Yv6xPN9Lxyc1lOZNR6uUegXd2KQXZcjivgBlNzjFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Morgan County commissioners voted May 7 to approve a contract with InDigital (branded in the meeting as “InDigital”) to replace legacy 9‑1‑1 call‑handling technology with a next‑generation, IP-based system.

The county’s 9‑1‑1 coordinator presented the advisory board’s recommendation after a competitive procurement and scoring process; InDigital ranked highest on performance and implementation criteria and was selected despite litigation concerns previously raised about the top-scoring vendor. Commissioners approved payment of the initial integration costs drawn from the 9‑1‑1 carryover fund assigned to Marshall (the 9‑1‑1 center manager), with a planned contract kickoff in mid‑May and staged implementation through the summer.

Why it matters: Next‑generation 9‑1‑1 (NG911) moves from copper trunk lines to IP-based call routing, offers better location accuracy and text-message handling, and integrates translation services for non‑English callers. County staff said the new platform should reduce cross‑boundary location errors and improve interoperability with neighboring counties.

Key financial points: The presenter described a one‑time initial outlay for system updates of about $63,005 (figure provided in the vendor quote); staff reported the new package would increase annual operating costs compared with current spending. Meeting materials and the presenter indicated recurring annual costs would rise, with one meeting estimate of roughly $99,575 more per year under the selected configuration. The vendor also agreed to absorb some first‑year text‑service costs to avoid an immediate hit to the county budget; county staff said some ARPA funds had been used previously to pay for a text‑service contract that expires in 2026.

What the commission approved: A motion to accept InDigital as the vendor and to authorize the contract with the initial integration payment. The motion passed in open session; commissioners said staff will circulate the contract and schedule a formal project kickoff. Implementation milestones presented to the commission included a vendor project kickoff mid‑May, a network plan through early June, ESInet transition by mid‑June, followed by carrier migrations through year end.

Concerns and mitigations: Commissioners and staff flagged the higher recurring cost profile and asked the vendor and staff to provide detailed line‑item projections for future budgets; the presenter noted expected savings in trunk line fees and other efficiencies that would partially offset higher service charges over time.

Ending: The contract award sets the county on a multi‑year transition to NG911 technology; commissioners asked staff to brief the public and provide updated budget detail at an upcoming meeting.","The commission approved a multi-year contract with InDigital to update the county’s 9‑1‑1 core services to next‑generation IP-based routing and text capabilities, approving an upfront integration cost to be covered from Marshall’s carryover funds; officials warned of higher recurring yearly costs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6246972,"Morgan County officials say EMS contract faces funding shortfall; executive session called",2291,7623000,9914000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b&start=7623&end=9914","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3213585-29eb93ce005f98444649efb11422482b/thumbnail_7623000.jpg","/articles/6246972/Morgan-County/West-Virginia/Morgan-County-officials-say-EMS-contract-faces-funding-shortfall-executive-session-called","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246972-b886d25450c72fdb363217777c6d7076/orig.mp4?Expires=1774941020&Signature=jyOa4dY~RwQgqT2tnykqz3tbiabVyEeznzGnGw1z~xnbiVB4o68dxg8JA03Z9~ddVk3hjJJ7fMNX6Cd-03Lo42~XKL-PYYpX8fUKF52DrP~waadw3RYhbvAiGTk0322Yk4lfAaWsXIlm3~CmLDVsAxIpKYyNJnwDUKwm0Lr9NxtFqYP6eX62vascQyDlpKdvk0Kg70~ZKoPlZQrCTi~XS6p~gJPfNdS5osMNLmR9K9DAqK72iwMTXR4ww4SCe8Jf7J1o45ViZMmjLDuV4x1l5L7JBoKJ8TcOFg4cPXCTiIG~Vd7Z07LulO8-Q19V5AcKx9GGflbnTxyateTNWmJQHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Morgan County commissioners and members of the county EMS board met May 7 to discuss an emerging budget shortfall for the county’s contract with Company 7, the private provider that operates ambulance services in the county.

The commission and the EMS board reported a roughly $230,000 gap between available revenue and projected operating needs for the coming contract year and said state-level funding that had been expected — the EMS Salary Enhancement Fund — is not yet guaranteed for 2025. That uncertainty prompted the commission and EMS board to move into executive session to discuss contract options and multi-year funding arrangements.

Why it matters: Ambulance and emergency medical services are capital- and labor-intensive. Commissioners said a stable, multi-year funding plan is necessary to sustain three Advanced Life Support units operating 24/7 and to avoid cutting service levels or losing staff to higher pay in neighboring jurisdictions.

Most important facts: Company 7 representatives told the board they ran roughly 2,626 calls last year and staffed three ALS units (two in Berkeley and one in Paw Paw). About 58% of calls resulted in patient transport, which is the subset of calls that generate billing revenue. Board and county staff also reported response-time metrics that compare favorably statewide: average dispatch-to-on-scene time near 10–11 minutes and an average out-the-door time below three minutes for staffed units.

The county’s prior one-time increase and state support: Commissioners noted that in the previous year the county used a combination of a one-time county payment and state distributed funds to shore up EMS wages and costs; but they emphasized the enhancement fund’s future funding is uncertain. The governor’s office staff were reported to be “looking into” the status of the state line item but there was no assurance it will be available for future years.

Options on the table: Officials discussed three basic approaches: (1) find recurring local revenue (for example by broadening chargeable billing streams such as commercial-property levies), (2) raise the per-property fire/EMS fee assessed to property owners, or (3) reduce service expectations in the contract (for example, by changing guaranteed coverage hours or staffing levels during low-demand overnight hours). Commissioners said they prefer solutions that do not reduce front-line ambulance availability but acknowledged the community may need to choose between higher local fees or reduced service scope.

Next steps and procedural action: The EMS board and county commission voted to enter executive session with Company 7 and the EMS board to discuss contract specifics and fiscal options. Commissioners said they want staff and EMS leadership to return with firm multi-year proposals (1-, 2- and 3-year scenarios) and precise revenue projections to evaluate whether a sustainable plan can be adopted.

Ending: County leaders said they will continue to seek clarity from the governor’s office about the state EMS Salary Enhancement Fund while the executive session work seeks options to preserve service levels without exposing the county to recurring, unbudgeted costs.","County commissioners and the EMS board discussed a roughly $230,000 shortfall in the contract with Company 7 and agreed to meet in executive session to discuss multi-year funding options after state support proved uncertain.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission reviews magistrate phone reimbursements; staff told to align practice with state code

Commissioners agree to seed wellness center account; ask for clearer accounting and court order

Commission orders fiduciary-commissioner fees paid from estate in Shelby matter

Commission approves iNDigital contract to modernize 9‑1‑1 system; county to absorb upfront costs

Morgan County officials say EMS contract faces funding shortfall; executive session called