KINGWOOD — The Preston County Commission approved the expenditure of about $105,000 in CARES funding at its regular meeting on Tuesday.
The unanimous vote funds 20 Tasers and supporting equipment for sheriff’s deputies, $32,000 for the county clerk, $10,000 for county commission administrative costs, and $11,308.62 for the county assessor.
The commission has held two work sessions to discuss use of the funds and Tuesday marked the first vote to expend some of the more than $922,000 in CARES funds the county has.
Outstanding requests for the funds include about $120,000 for an in-house investigator by the county prosecutor, about $32,000 for a drone for by the sheriff’s office, three different request levels by Parks and Recreation, and an unspecified request by the county’s volunteer fire departments.
The commission is also looking to spend $400,000 of the funds to beef up the county’s EMS services. Commissioner Dave Price has been working on that project and there was a work session with representatives from four of the county’s EMS providers. The commission requested additional information at that meeting to help determine how the money should be spent.
Commissioner Samantha Stone asked that the CARES funding remain as an agenda item at the next meeting. Commission President Don Smith said he thinks that’s a good idea.
County Administrator Kathy Mace also updated the commission on the status of the project to clear steam blockages caused by Hurricane Ida. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Thursday and will begin at the 911 Center before going to site visits.
In addition, land access has been secured, including a few access agreements that might not be needed “just to be on the safe side,” Mace said.
Bids will be due back by Nov. 1 and Mace said she hopes to have the winning bid up for consideration on the Nov. 2 commission meeting agenda.
In other business:
- Official trick or treat hours are 5:30p.m.-7p.m. Oct. 30.
- The commission approved a part-time worker for the county clerk.
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