By: Jennifer Britt
Five Forks Public Library Director Nancy Moore and Mountaintop Public Library President Katherine Morvay presented to the Tucker County Commission a motion for additional funds in upcoming budget year. Moore explained the funds were needed for more books, audio books, magazines and more. Moore further went into detail about the many services available at both libraries and how they were just trying to keep up progress.
Mountaintop Public Library was asking for a budget funding of $14,500. Davis plans to build a new bigger library onsite of the current library. The new library will be able to house more computers for public use, and hopefully the large complicated equipment needed for big meetings. Morvay said we are “small but we are mighty,” describing the library and all the services it can provide to the county and surrounding areas, students, and anyone looking for employment.
Parsons’ Five River sPublic Library is seeking $12,000, an increase of $1,000 of prior year’s budget. Five Rivers has been receiving the $11,000 allocated for many years without a request for an increase. Five Rivers has seen an increase of participation in several programs such as the Toddler Tumbler Program, book clubs, and summer reading programs.
Commission approved additional funding for the libraries provided there isenough funds in the new budget.
Other business presented during the meeting was reports from Kevin White, Fire Chief and Bailey Falls of the Animal Shelter. White commended the Health Department and all they have done and continue to do during COVID. White stated Tucker County it was day 747 of COVID response.
White presented to the Commission three new board appointments for the OEM Advisory Council. Allen Cosner for a one-year term, Thomas Klus for a two-year term, and Michael Simmons for a three-year term. All were approved by the board.
Falls named Maggie Brown as the new animal control officer for Tucker County. Brown is scheduled to start working on March 16 and complete levels one and two training as she works at the animal shelter. Falls also mentioned a “Kitten Shower” on March 19 at 358 Williams Ave in Davis. The event is geared towards recruiting new fosters and receiving donations.
“I just want to thank you for doing an excellent job for the people and the animals of Tucker County,” Commissioner Lowell Moore said to Falls.
Commissioners Moore and Mike Rosenau concluded the meeting by updating on the progress of the AmusementTax. To date the bill was passed by the Senate, but is still sitting in the House Finance Committee. Moore was optimistic as to whether the bill would be passed or not but still was optimistic the bill would continue to the House of Representatives for voting.
The Commissioners also urges the public to register to vote or make changes to voters’ registration by April 19 as early voting will be held on April 27 through May 7, and to continue to support the Tucker County EMS.
The next meeting of the Tucker County Commission will be on March 23 at 9 a.m. at the Tucker County Courthouse Courtroom.