Monongalia County commissioners on Nov. 26 approved their consent agenda and several personnel and contract items, including a renewal of the fingerprinting system maintenance agreement at the county justice center.

The consent agenda included minutes from Nov. 19 and vouchers and payments amounting to $1,459,008.63, with payroll recorded as $1,261,001.83. Commissioners also recorded budget revisions that will require state approval for funds including the prosecuting attorney’s office, jail reimbursable accounts, ambulance authority and dams and dredging.

The commission approved the hiring of Brian Shockley as a full‑time assistant prosecuting attorney, with a planned start date of Dec. 1. The record notes two vacancies in the prosecuting attorney’s office, including a magistrate‑court vacancy, and says Shockley brings experience in felony prosecution from Harrison County and previously served as a mental hygiene commissioner in Monongalia County. Speaking to the commission, Brian Shockley said, "I'm seeking approval today for him to begin on December 1." The motion to confirm the hire passed.

The panel also approved a part‑time, seasonal hire for Chestnut Ridge Park: Ariana Hess was listed for a Tubing Hill Attendant position at $12 per hour with no benefits. Commissioners amended the start date in the record from Dec. 1 to Dec. 19 before approving the appointment.

For county technology used in justice operations, the commission approved a one‑year maintenance and support agreement with IDEMIA Identity & Security USA LLC for the LiveScan fingerprint system covering Jan. 26, 2026, through Jan. 25, 2027. Staff advised the system had been purchased with a Supreme Court grant and that the county has since taken responsibility for its maintenance; the renewal carries a nominal price increase staff estimated at about 5 percent.

The commission recorded correspondence from the Monongalia County Health Department announcing a "Healthy Smiles Day" event occurring the same day, and noted a proclamation by Governor Morrissey that allowed counties to adopt a half‑day closure for employees; the county announced it would close at 12:30 p.m. Officials also confirmed that recycling operations closed at 11:00 a.m. that day.

In other remarks, a commissioner reported on local efforts to address food insecurity, describing increased donations and ongoing weekend food distributions coordinated with Pantry Plus More; the speaker noted donations received from former residents now living overseas.

The meeting ended after a brief round of holiday well‑wishes and a motion to adjourn. The commission did not schedule further action on any item during the session.