PROPERTY ISSUES DISCUSSED — The Brooke County Commission enjoyed a lighter moment prior to a discussion of property issues faced by the county’s new compliance officer, David Holden, on Tuesday. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Properties with dilapidated structures, failed septic systems and other hazardous conditions were discussed Tuesday by the Brooke County Commission and the county’s new compliance officer.

David Holden, who was hired for the part-time position in October, said he has mailed more notices to property owners this week, with one near Riverview Road in the Wellsburg area being of particular concern.

Holden said a septic tank there is overflowing and residents of nearby properties have complained of the odor and them becoming sick.

He said the county’s health department also has been alerted of the situation.

Mike Bolen, the department’s administrator — who was called for comment — said all property owners requiring a septic system must obtain a permit and it is inspected, during installation, to ensure it meets public health standards.

Bolen said the health department doesn’t inspect them afterwards unless a complaint is filed.

He said an effort is made to give property owners adequate time to correct the problem, but they may be brought to magistrate court. There, they may be ordered to pay a fine and take action to remedy the situation, Bolen noted.

He said the cost to replace a failing septic system varies but can be thousands of dollars.

Bolen said no on-site septic system is intended to be permanent, but property owners can extend their lives through various measures, including pumping them every three to five years.

He said information about them, including the permit application for one, can be found on the department’s website at www.brookecountyhealthdepartment.com/septic/

Holden said he’s also investigating illegal salvage yards where large numbers of junk cars are being stored for their parts and sometimes illegally burned when they are deemed worthless.

He noted a county ordinance requires salvage yard owners to obtain a permit and comply with conditions aimed at protecting public health and property values.

Holden said in the case of dilapidated structures, a barrier has been notifying multiple owners, many of whom live out of the area.

Commission President A.J. Thomas said in some cases, the last occupant died some years ago and the deed hasn’t been updated to reflect the current heirs.

Thomas said in recent years, the West Virginia Legislature has offered a few measures to help counties and municipalities address such structures.

For example, a pilot program of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection awards grants for the removal of such buildings secured by government entities.

The City of Wellsburg has secured a $281,000 grant to raze about a dozen of them and has applied for another to demolish more.

But Thomas said local governments often lack the funds to pay for the demolitions up front.

In other business, the commission agreed to renew its flood insurance, through Wright National Flood Insurance, at a cost of $13,093.

Thomas said while much of the contents of the county courthouse’s first floor have been moved with the relocation of the county magistrate court to the new judicial center, the insurance provides coverage for any flood-related damage to the building.