Jefferson County Commission Schedules Public Meeting to Address Varied County Matters

The Jefferson County Commission has announced its upcoming meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in the County Commission Meeting Room located at 393 N. Lawrence Street in Charles Town, West Virginia, with attendees advised to use the East Entrance. Residents will have the opportunity to participate in public comment at the beginning of the meeting for fifteen minutes, with any remaining comments heard after the final agenda item. Public comments can be submitted in person or via email to info@jeffcowv.gov. The session will also be broadcast live on Zoom.

The meeting agenda includes a consent agenda that will address the approval of minutes from the March 19, 2026, meeting, as well as various financial matters. This includes approval of accounts payable for March 19 and March 26, totaling over $1 million, and manual checks issued on March 19 and March 27, amounting to more than $150,000. Payroll for March 27, exceeding $480,000, and requisitions for April 2, totaling over $230,000, are also slated for approval. The commission will also consider the approval of new hires for two Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician I positions within the Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency, along with other personnel matters such as promotions, post-probationary increases, and corrections of clerical errors. Announcements will include information on accessing draft minutes and details on how Jefferson County Commission spending aligns with the West Virginia Checkbook, a resource for publicly available financial information.

Under the regular agenda, the commission will engage in discussions and potential actions on a range of topics. Angie Banks, Jefferson County Assessor, is scheduled to address exonerations. A segment will be dedicated to Years of Service Awards. Nikki Painter from the County Clerk’s Office will present matters related to estate closings and new estate reviews, including petitions for administratrix appointments and a proposal to add Precinct 27C to the 2026 Primary Election. The Sheriff’s Office, represented by Tom Hansen, will seek approval to transition a part-time bailiff position to full-time.

An update on transit routes will be provided by Elaine Bartoldson, CEO and executive director of the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority. The commission will also review its commercial bonding policy. Discussions and potential appointments will take place concerning the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission. Chief Financial Officer David Bound will present information regarding Commission Ambulance Fee Exonerations. Jessica James, chief human resources officer, will lead discussions on proposed amendments to the Leave Donation Policy and the Performance Appraisal Policy, as well as the approval of an ESA Assistant Chief Position Description.

County Administrator Eddie Benites will address a change in meeting dates to accommodate Early Voting and will present a proclamation for May 2026 as Foster Care Awareness Month. Nathan Cochran from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will provide a report on the commission’s options for representation on the Charles Town Utility Board and strategies to enhance services to Jefferson County citizens. Additionally, there will be discussions, advice from counsel, and potential actions concerning ongoing opioid litigation and related issues, as well as a revised Dog Ordinance. The meeting is expected to conclude with additional public comment.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Jefferson County Commission

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