By STEVE RAPPACH
The Weirton Daily Times
NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. — Danny Greathouse, executive director of the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, projected a down year in revenue, when addressing the Hancock County Commission on Thursday.
“I’m projecting for this year coming up about a $291,000 income versus, last year was about $320,000, $330,000,” Greathouse said.
He said the hotel/motel tax was down due in part to the lull of business from the Marcellus Shale, but said he believed business is picking up again.
One concern Greathouse addressed was the state discontinuing grants for CVBs in favor of co-op programs.
“The state is going to do co-op programs where they will buy an ad, and you can buy into the ad,” Greathouse said.
He said more information on the co-op programs may be discussed during the governor’s conference on tourism, which will take place in the county from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1.
Also discussed was a recent in Charleston, in which Gov. Jim Justice announced he was considering calling a special session, with tourism included as a possible topic.
Among one of Justice’s plans in the budget, which eventually wasn’t included, would be to develop a new tourism campaign similar to that of the state of Michigan, Greathouse said.
“In his budget, when he first opened the budget, he wanted to do a ‘Pure Michigan’ campaign,” Greathouse said. “If you ever watched the commercials, ‘Pure Michigan,’ he wants to do that on West Virginia, and the legislature did not fund that, so he may call that on a special session. I don’t know if he will or not.”
Greathouse also mentioned the bureau’s annual meeting is scheduled Sept. 21.
In other Commission business:
• The county elections board provided answers to questions regarding the Oct. 7 special election, which was called by Justice for voters to decide The Roads to Prosperity Amendment of 2017. If passed, the ammendment would provide for improvement and construction of safe roads in the state by issuance of bonds not to exceed $1.6 billion.
Polls for the special election will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., but early voting is possible Sept. 22 to Oct. 4 at the county courthouse or annex. Registered voters are advised to contact their county clerk for more information.
Voters also are advised that while most polling places will remain the same as in past elections, they should also check with the county clerk as some locations might have either moved or combined.
The final day to register is Sept. 18. Register to vote by visiting ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register.
• Approval was given to the grant agreement with First Energy Nuclear Operating Company regarding the Beaver Valley Power Station, which will cover the 2018 and 2019 calendar years and has been approved and signed by First Energy. In a request submitted by Bob Vidas, executive director of the county’s Office of Technology and Communications, the agreement eliminates annual negotiating and allows for improved forward planning of important resources between the agencies.
The memo states the grants will represent a 65-35 cost-sharing on most items, with First Energy handling 65 percent of the costs. Among the stipulations of the agreement is a salary adjustment for the director and deputy director.
• Approved a new lease agreement with the Hancock County Solid Waste Authority, located on Gas Valley Road. As part of the new agreement, the Commission, which owns the property, will lease the land to the solid waste authority for $1 a year for a 23-year period, which took effect Thursday and will expire June 30, 2040. The agreement also states that the property is to be operated as a recycling center for the benefit of county residents.
• In regard to the Hancock County Animal Shelter on Gas Valley Road, the commission approved the hiring of Jen Walker as a full-time kennel employee, effective Aug. 16, and also to advertise for two part-time employees.
In an advertisement provided, applicants will be required to multi-task work involving cleaning of kennels and cages, exercising animals, providing proper care and feeding of animals, assist veterinary technicians with procedures and medical care and be able to lift 50 pounds. All applications for the position are to be submitted to the shelter no later than 4 p.m. Aug. 25. More information on the job opening is available on the Commission’s website.
The next regular meeting is scheduled 2:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at the board room in the Hancock County Courthouse.
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