The Hampshire County Commission on July 8 approved $1,600 to repair the HVAC system at the Romney Volunteer Rescue Squad building after the squad reported a refrigerant leak and provided a contractor quote recommending repair.

Commissioners reviewed a written request from Blake Schockey, president of the Romney Volunteer Rescue Squad, who said two contractors inspected the system. Schockey's letter (read into the record by the clerk) said one contractor recommended full replacement and declined to provide a written quote, while L and T Electrical Contractors inspected the system and recommended a repair quote and said the current unit should last several more years after repair. The squad asked the commission to consider covering the repair cost.

Clerk Strait summarized the request and the quoted repair cost. "Bottom line up front, $1,600 to repair a system," the clerk said. Commissioner Bridal made the motion to approve the $1,600 repair payment; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Why it matters: Romney Rescue Squad operates from a county-owned leased building, and functioning HVAC is necessary for volunteer operations and the squad's equipment; the repair will restore climate control and buy time before larger replacement is needed.

The commission did not debate alternative funding sources at length and approved the payment during the regular meeting.