Frustration over funding and local control dominated the Berkeley County Commission meeting on September 25, 2025, as officials expressed their dissatisfaction with the West Virginia Department of Highways (DOH) and the challenges facing local law enforcement and emergency services.

Commissioners voiced their concerns about the DOH's recent requests for local buy-in on road projects without providing any revenue support. One commissioner stated, "It's absolutely ridiculous that the West Virginia Department of Highways would come to counties and ask for them to have local buy-in for roads... Counties have no money to put towards roads nor do we want it." This sentiment highlighted the ongoing struggle for counties to secure adequate funding for infrastructure while feeling the burden of state-level financial decisions.

The meeting also featured discussions about a productive meeting with Secretary Buffington from the Department of Military Affairs, where concerns regarding the rotation of 911 calls between the sheriff's office and state police were addressed. The commissioners emphasized the need for collaboration among agencies to better serve the public, noting that neither agency currently has the staffing necessary to meet demands.

In a broader context, the commissioners pointed out that Berkeley County generates a significant portion of the state's revenue, ranking second among counties in revenue generation. Despite this, they feel that the county receives little in return, particularly in terms of state resources for law enforcement and road maintenance.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners reiterated their commitment to advocating for local needs and ensuring that Berkeley County's voice is heard in Charleston. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local governments in navigating state policies and funding mechanisms, with officials calling for a more equitable approach to resource distribution.