Putnam County hears recreation grant requests, awards VOCA victim‑services grant and tables recreation fund decisions
Loading...
Summary
Commission authorized a $67,470 VOCA grant for prosecutor’s office victim advocates, heard multiple requests from towns and nonprofits for Stephen A. Andy Recreation Enhancement funds totaling $172,223, and voted to table recreation awards until budget hearings in March due to a $100,000 allocation shortfall.
PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. — At its Jan. 27 meeting, the Putnam County Commission approved a fiscal year 2026 VOCA grant for the prosecutor’s office and heard presentations from multiple towns and nonprofits seeking Stephen A. Andy Recreation Enhancement funds. Commissioners agreed to defer allocation decisions until budget hearings because requests exceeded available funds.
Kim Hammond told the commission the prosecutor’s office received a VOCA award of $67,470 to fund one full‑time victim advocate and a part‑time advocate. "I really just need a motion for the president to sign all necessary documents," Hammond said. The commission authorized signatures by voice vote.
Staff said $100,000 was available in the Stephen A. Andy Recreation Enhancement Fund but applicants requested a total of $172,223. Presentations included:
- Jamie Echols, mayor of Bancroft (on speakerphone), requesting approximately $26,000 to complete Phase 3 at Bancroft Sound Park, including a flagpole, memorial area and a geodome play structure; the town would provide required matching funds.
- Mayor Barrett (Winfield) described a multi‑year streetscape/sidewalk project and asked for funds to help with a local match for a sidewalk adjacent to the courthouse.
- Mayor Kane (Buffalo) requested roughly $23,900 (with a $5,975 match) for ADA‑compliant steps and lighting at Buffalo’s main park.
- Town and nonprofit presenters including Polka, the Putnam County Fair Board, the Historic Hoag House Foundation, PACE Foundation (public art projects) and Upward Way Ministries (camp facility upgrades) described projects and local matches or volunteer contributions.
Given the funding shortfall, Commissioner Ellis moved — and commissioners seconded — to table the Stephen A. Andy Recreation Fund awards until the March budget hearings. "We can come up with some of the rules…see what we can do at that time," Ellis said. The motion carried by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will include these requests in the March budget process and notify applicants of decisions at that time.
