County hears budget requests, program updates from Main Street, Hospice, Roundhouse, Little League and other nonprofits

Several nonprofit and community organizations briefed the Berkeley County Commission on Jan. 30 and presented funding requests or program updates as the county's FY26 budget process begins.

Main Street Martinsburg: Robbie Blair, director of Main Street Martinsburg, thanked the county and city for ongoing support and described 2024 as a strong event year. Blair said the group estimated more than 40,000 nonresident visitors attended marquee events and that the group finished 2024 “in the green” despite revenue dips; he asked for continued funding to retain staff needed to meet Main Street America benchmarks.

Hospice of the Panhandle: Deputy Development Director Maria Laurenson presented Hospice of the Panhandle’s 2024 impact report. Hospice reported serving more than 1,300 patients countywide last year and more than 5,000 in its inpatient facility since it opened; Laurenson said hospice and the hospice-run Panhandle Palliative Services help families earlier in the care trajectory and that 25% of patients are veterans. Laurenson said a new county-funded transportation van (received through the legislature) will be equipped for a stretcher and begin service March 1 to reduce delays in moving patients between facilities.

Roundhouse Authority: The Roundhouse Authority chairman requested $35,000 to cover expected insurance premiums and related costs while the authority works to generate year-round revenue and complete capital improvements. Authority staff said recent legislative and grant support is enabling design and inspection work needed to bid larger capital projects (market pavilion, accessibility upgrades); the $35,000 request reflects an estimated premium increase tied to building improvements.

Martinsburg Little League: The league’s longtime president (Dr. Quinn) asked the county to consider a $100,000 contribution toward turfing a heavily used Oakdale (Oatesdale) field; the total estimated project cost is about $244,000–$250,000, with the league seeking about $150,000 from the city and $100,000 from county or external grants. League leaders said turf has sharply reduced rainouts and ongoing maintenance and increases safety and tournaments that bring in out-of-area visitors.

Apollo Theatre: Aubrey Urban, executive director of the Apollo, requested $30,000 to pay for a handicap lift and to replace aging sprinklers to meet insurance and safety requirements; Urban said the lift will allow ADA access to the theatre lobby and second-floor spaces.

Apollo, Roundhouse and others said improved facilities have already increased event attendance and downtown activity and asked the commission to consider targeted one-time or operating support as the groups pursue grant and private-match funding.

Other requests and updates: Community Alternatives to Violence described a 32-week battering intervention program that serves as a court-affiliated supervision alternative and said its caseload grew after COVID and now runs at more than 200 participants; the Morgan Cabin Association and the Historic Landmarks Commission requested modest maintenance and preservation funding for long-standing historic properties and programs (audio kiosk, signage, exterior sealer, interior electrical updates and tree/shrub work).

What’s next: Commissioners did not take formal funding votes at the meeting; department and budget staff will fold requests into the FY26 review and return to the commission during the budget process for formal appropriations decisions.