The Monongalia County Commission accepted its 2024 year-end report on Dec. 30 and reviewed remaining obligations and outcomes for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Commissioners noted capital investments during 2024 — including renovations and a newly opened 9-1-1 center — and described the county’s approach to obligating ARPA dollars primarily to water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

During the ARPA review a commissioner reported that the county’s ARPA allocation had been used to leverage significantly larger project totals through matching funds and partner investments; the speaker said roughly 42% of project value was water and sewer, about 42% was broadband, and a smaller share supported electric upgrades and trail work. The speaker also reported that, through careful management, the county had accumulated approximately $1.4 million in interest on ARPA funds held awaiting expenditure.

In personnel actions, commissioners approved two appointments effective Jan. 1, 2025: Chris Wolf as a full-time civilian administrative officer and Perry Palmer as a full-time grants coordinator, both discussed by the incoming sheriff. The commission also approved an amendment extending the period of performance for an ARPA subrecipient agreement with the City of Westover to Dec. 31, 2025.

The commission closed with department reports (road crew litter and recycling statistics were presented) and member remarks, including recognition of Ron Justice for longtime work on local economic-development efforts.

What happens next: staff will continue ARPA project closeout activities, finalize pending contracts, and report back on outstanding attachments and any remaining obligations.