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Pendleton County commissioners agree to buy former Franklin Elementary and fund new ambulance
Summary
At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Pendleton County Commission unanimously approved buying the former Franklin Elementary School for up to $485,000 (contingent on conditions) and allocated $90,909.09 from the EMS Equipment Fund for a new ambulance; routine financial matters and several administrative approvals were also completed.
PENDLETON COUNTY, W.Va. — The Pendleton County Commission on Aug. 19 voted unanimously to move forward with two major expenditures and to complete routine administrative business.
Commissioners Roger Dahmer, Carl Hevener and Jimmie Bennett discussed results of a public meeting held Aug. 18 about the former Franklin Elementary School before approving a motion by Commissioner Dahmer to purchase the property for a purchase price not to exceed $485,000, contingent on the commission’s outstanding concerns and criteria being met. The motion passed with a unanimous vote of the three commissioners present.
The purchase follows a public meeting the prior day and was recorded in the minutes as contingent on satisfying the commission’s listed concerns; the minutes do not specify those conditions.
Also during the meeting, Commissioner Dahmer moved and the commission unanimously approved allocating $90,909.09 from the EMS Equipment Fund — funds to be received by the Office of Emergency Medical Services — to purchase a new ambulance. The minutes record the allocation amount and the unanimous vote but do not include additional procurement details.
Other business completed by the commission included unanimous approval of the Aug. 5, 2025 meeting minutes; a correction to the July 15 minutes to show that Chuck King retired as a 911 dispatcher rather than resigned; presentation and review of the sheriff’s July financial statement and employee timesheets; and confirmation of estate settlements and clerk appointments. The commission approved exonerations for several small taxpayer amounts and ordered payments across county funds, including check ranges for the General County Fund ($50,660.39) and Building Commission Fund ($242,391.68).
Emergency services staff matters also appeared on the record: Mike Alt reported the old Seneca Rocks squad was removed from service on Aug. 18 and will be put up for sale, and he said the county is losing volunteer EMS personnel to neighboring counties. Separately, commissioners instructed Diana Mitchell, the county’s 911 director, to ensure timesheets are submitted on time.
The agenda item “Board of Health – Subdivided Lots Requirements” was postponed to the Sept. 16, 2025 meeting. The commission adjourned to meet next on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.
Votes at a glance
- Purchase of former Franklin Elementary School: motion by Commissioner Roger Dahmer; outcome: approved unanimously; purchase price not to exceed $485,000; contingency: all commission concerns/criteria must be met (not specified in minutes). - Allocation for new ambulance: motion by Commissioner Roger Dahmer; outcome: approved unanimously; amount: $90,909.09 from EMS Equipment Fund to be received by the Office of Emergency Medical Services. - Approval of minutes (Aug. 5, 2025): approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Dahmer). - Estate settlements, clerk appointments, exonerations, and allowances payable across multiple county funds: approved unanimously (motions by Commissioner Jimmie Bennett and others as recorded).
Next steps: The minutes record the property purchase as contingent on meeting the commission’s concerns; the record does not specify a timeline or which conditions remain outstanding. The commission is scheduled to reconvene Sept. 2, 2025.
