Harrison County Commission Votes Against Auctioneer for Property Sales, Opts for Negotiations
The Harrison County Commission rejected a proposal Wednesday to hire an auctioneer to sell four county-owned properties, instead opting to continue negotiations for the next 60 days on three parcels along W.Va. 279. Meanwhile, the old 911 Center in Nutter Fort will remain off the market for now.
Commission President Susan Thomas cited concerns about the county’s ongoing need for the facility’s garage, which is currently in use.
“We have a garage in that building, and I know there’s been discussion of leasing it. But what happens if we can’t find a garage in five years? I just don’t know that it makes sense to lease a building we’re selling,” Thomas said.
Last year, when the 911 Center was considered for auction, the listing included a stipulation allowing the county to lease the garage for five years.
Commissioner Patsy Trecost pushed back on the idea of holding onto the building just for the garage, raising concerns over the county continuing to cover maintenance and utility costs.
“If I’m no longer going to live in my home in Shinnston, do I keep it just because I want to keep my red car in the garage? Do I keep paying utilities on my house in Shinnston if I’m not going to live there?” Trecost questioned.
Trecost estimated that approximately $500,000 has been spent maintaining the vacant building, including roof repairs and HVAC system updates.
Property Negotiations and Transparency Concerns
Discussion over the W.Va. 279 properties took a turn when Trecost pressed Commissioner David Hinkle on who County Administrator Laura Pysz-Laulis has been negotiating with regarding the sale.
Hinkle responded that such discussions should take place in executive session. However, before the commission voted to continue negotiations, Trecost revealed that the county has been in talks with the City of Bridgeport over the land.
“I want it to go out to bid so everybody has an opportunity to buy the property that the county owns,” Trecost said.
Thomas supported allowing negotiations to continue for 60 more days but indicated she would back an auction if no deal is reached by then.
Courthouse Projects Move Forward
In other business, the commission selected McKinley Architecture & Engineering to handle two courthouse projects. The firm was chosen from three applicants to conduct a space utilization study of the courthouse and oversee an ongoing elevator repair project.
County Director of Maintenance Danny Hamrick recommended McKinley, noting the firm’s national recognition as one of the top 50 architecture and engineering firms.
Additionally, commissioners approved:
- A resolution allowing the county’s grant department to apply for $4 million in American Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) funds to support the construction of a new Harrison County Animal Control facility, and an additional $1.5 million in AMLER funds for a planned bridge on the rail trail.
- A memorandum of understanding with Hope Gas and the West Virginia State Rail Authority, permitting Hope Gas to proceed with a pipeline replacement project along the Harrison South Rail Trail.
For more updates on local government decisions and community developments, stay tuned to Clarksburg News And Observer.
