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NEW CUMBERLAND -- Hancock County will be able to upgrade its emergency communications systems, thanks to a last-minute Christmas gift from the governor's office.
During their meeting Wednesday, Hancock County commissioners announced the county had been awarded $2.73 million in CARES Act funding, for the installation of a microwave-based communications system for the county 911 Center and emergency responders.
"This came as a little bit of a surprise to us," Commissioner Joe Barnabei said, in making the announcement, noting the county had applied for the funding in September, with regular lobbying of state officials.
County officials received word of the grant late last week.
"We are very happy to receive it," he said.
According to Barnabei, moving from a wired system to a microwave-based system would improve communication in the county, while preventing breaks in connectivity and allowing for potential expansions in the future.
It also would allow for 911 dispatchers and emergency responders to work remotely, if needed.
"This will increase reliability tremendously and allow for future enhancements," Jeremy Ober, director of the county's Office of Emergency Management, said.
Barnabei noted the possibility of moving to a microwave-based system has been discussed by the county for several years, also expressing his appreciation to Weirton City Manager Joe DiBartolomeo for recommending the county apply for the CARES Act funds.
"It's been a major conversation for as long as I've been here," he said.
Commissioner Jeff Davis added the new system also will mean the existing equipment in the county 911 Center will be updated as part of the grant allocation.
"You have to update the equipment," Davis said, noting the current system in approximately seven years old.
Commissioners explained the update also will allow the county to tie into the state's siren warning system.
Wednesday's meeting also served as Barnabei's final gathering as a county commissioner. Several of those gathered thanked Barnabei for his work while in office. The commission also expressed appreciation for the service of outgoing county Prosecutor Jim Davis and to outgoing Sheriff Ralph Fletcher, who will begin service as a county magistrate next week.
In other business, the commission approved:
¯ A request from county Prosecutor-elect Steve Dragisich for the hiring of Vincent Gurrera and Michael Adams as part-time assistant prosecutors. According to a letter from Dragisich, April Manypenny Raines and Michael Lucas will remain as part-time assistant prosecutors and David Cross will remain an assistant prosecutor on a contractual basis.
¯ The purchase of three police cruisers for the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, with a plan to work with incoming Sheriff Scott Gittings for the purchase of another three cruisers sometime next year.
¯ The advertisement for an open maintenance position.
¯ The appointment of Barnabei as an emeritus member of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission for a two-year term.
¯ A proclamation declaring January 2021 Human Trafficking Awareness Month
¯ A proclamation declaring January 2021 Stalking Awareness Month