CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News) — Harrison County commissioners will consider acquiring a piece of property for the future construction of a Harrison County regional farm complex.
This property, which is located along W.Va. 98, is being considered after commissioners learned that a piece of property in Meadowbrook wouldn’t be available for the county’s plans.
Because the land was formerly used as an industrial site, the previous owner wrote restrictions on the land’s deed, limiting how it can be used, said Harrison County Commission President Susan Thomas.
“It specifically mentions livestock cannot [be present on the property],” Thomas said.
The new property being considered has no such restrictions, has good accessibility and utility connections are nearby, she said.
“And, this property has a little more land for growth,” Thomas said.
There is currently no purchase price set for the land acquisition, because county officials still have to decide if they wish to engage with the property owners or not.
Consideration of the acquisition may take place in an executive session, Thomas said.
Commissioners also will consider adding two positions to the county’s maintenance department for the specific purpose of conducting maintenance of the Harrison County rail-trail system.
Commissioner David Hinkle said he is unsure what projects these maintenance workers would be assigned during the winter months, and he said subcontracting for that maintenance work during the summer may be a better option unless the county plans to plow the rail trail through the winter.
Commissioners also will consider purchasing a used skid-steer with a roller attachment, priced at $77,000, which Thomas said would be used to roll gravel on the rail trail.
Hinkle said it would be cheaper to rent equipment for that work unless it was performed on a weekly basis. He is unaware of any other projects the county has that would require a skid-steer.
Hinkle suggested that the county should purchase a roller attachment that could be pulled behind one of the two tractors the county already owns.
“We’re not in the construction business,” he said.
The creation of two more 911 operator positions also will be considered by commissioners to bolster the department and ensure they have enough staff for operations, Thomas said.
“They can always use help out there, and they’re running short now,” she said.
Commissioners also will consider entry of an order approving the 15-year extension of tax increment financing for the Charles Pointe development.
The Harrison County Commission approved the extension of the agreement at the July 31 meeting following a public hearing that was attended by every member of Bridgeport City Council, all of whom spoke in opposition to the extension. The owner and several executive staff members of Genesis Partners, the developers of Charles Pointe, spoke in favor of the extension.
Hinkle said he was unsure why his fellow commissioners seemed to be rushing approval of the extension as the developers’ bondholders have still not responded to a letter the county sent in support of the construction of a new Mon Health Hospital at Charles Pointe Crossing.
The commission also has not yet seen a plan for the continued expansion of the development, he said.