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County Plans To Finance New HQ With $16 Million Bond
The Jefferson County Commission voted 5-0 during a May 7 special meeting to move forward with a $16 million financing plan for the two former APUS buildings it intends to purchase in July.
During a regular meeting last week on May 1, the Commission reviewed multiple financing proposals in executive session. At the beginning of the May 7 special meeting, which was conducted remotely over Zoom, County Administrator Edwina Benites-LM noted that “while you [the commissioners] considered this [proposal] at the last meeting, the Commission wanted additional time to consider the options because it is such an important decision that the Commission is going to make.”
According to the information the Commission provided to The Observer after the May 7 meeting, the accepted financing proposal is for a 20 year lease revenue bond at an expected interest rate of 4.627 percent. The repayment schedule shows an annual payment (for both debt repayment and interest) of approximately $1.25 million per year.
Following the vote, the Commission staff was directed to move forward to complete the bond rating process and other administrative steps required to issue the bonds.
You can watch the video of the 3 minute meeting to hear directly what the commissioners think about this project.
You can bookmark this link to follow The Observer’s ongoing coverage of this new county administration and court complex
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
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>>>Learn more...
County Seeks Volunteers For Boards & Commissions
The County Commission is looking to appoint volunteers to 5 seats on the Jefferson County Development Authority board of directors.
The Commission could not confirm a specific schedule for when it intends to make these appointments, but the timing of the notice sent to The Observer indicates that the Commission may conduct interviews and vote on the appointments at its next regular meeting on May 15.
The deadline to submit an application to be considered during next week’s meeting is tomorrow (Friday, May 9) at noon.
In addition to the JCDA board, the Commission may also schedule interviews and vote on appointments to several other boards next week (with the same May 9 application deadline):
- The Property Safety Board (1 seat) — this board deals with complaints regarding unsafe, abandoned, and/or dilapidated structures in Jefferson County.
- The Board of Zoning Appeals (1 alternate seat) — this board adjudicates requests for zoning variances and conditional use permits.
- Water Advisory Commission (3 seats) — this commission was newly reorganized to study ground water availability and quality issues.
To apply for any of the county positions, email Boards@JeffersonCountyWV.org. Applications for county positions should include a letter of interest and a resume (or a statement of qualifications). If you have questions about any of the positions or the application process, you can call the Commission office at 304-728-3284.
A message from the Shepherdstown Community Club
The annual Back Alley Garden Tour & Tea will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18 (rain or shine) in Shepherdstown. There will be 15 gardens on the tour, open 10 to 4 (both days). This year’s tour will be concentrated on the east side of town. The tea service runs 11 to 3 both days, upstairs at the War Memorial Building (102 East German St). This year’s event is organized by the Shepherdstown Community Club, with sponsorship by the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Ticket price is $30 and includes access to all gardens both days and one tea service. Tickets are available online, at multiple designated Shepherdstown businesses, or on the date of the tour in the War Memorial building.
>>>Info & tickets…
Meet Your Neighbors On A Walk Around Charles Town
Former Charles Town mayor Randy Hilton is someone who sees opportunity around every corner. During the most recent “Walk About Nothing” on May 7, he remarked, “Every day, it’s getting better.”
Hilton has lived in Charles Town since 1976. “I didn’t expect to stay,” he said, “but I got to know the people — and I realized this was home.”
For this week’s walk, Hilton was joined by about two dozen residents for a stroll down George Street, from City Hall to Happy Retreat. It was a short walk, but a long conversation, as Hilton highlighted many interesting details along the way.
The event wasn’t just about the past. Councilman Mike George used the opportunity to point out the newly completed sidewalk connecting the police station to downtown.
According to Liz Cook, the city’s Economic Development Coordinator, the walks are well attended, drawing a mix of regulars and new faces. They take place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
The next walk is scheduled for 6 pm on May 21, with the group meeting in front of City Hall (101 East Washington Street).
>>>Upcoming Events…
Events Snapshot: Arts, Culture & Community
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Luminescence — Art show at Skull City Studio (105 South Princess St, Shepherdstown). Opening Friday May 9, 4 - 8 pm. Free. Info…
Anora — Screening of the 2024 Oscar-winner for Best Picture at the Shepherdstown Opera House. Friday May 9, 7 pm. Info & tickets…
Urinetown — Live theater at the Old Opera House in Charles Town (final weekend). May 9, 10 & 11. Info & tickets…
Pancake Breakfast — At the United Methodist Church (New & Church Streets, Shepherdstown). Adults: $12, children (4-12) $5. Handicap accessible. Saturday May 10, 7 - 11 am.
Bird Count Day — Family-friendly event for all ages at the Shepherdstown Library. Saturday May 10, 10 am - noon. Info…
Herb Fair & Bake Sale — Fresh West Virginian-grown herbs, veggies, flowers, baked goods, crafts, donated plants, and a quilt raffle. Harpers Ferry Gazebo. Saturday,May 10, 9 am - 3 pm. Info…
Railfest & Model Train Show — at the Martinsburg Roundhouse. Family-friendly event. Saturday May 10, 10 am - 3 pm. Info…
Plant Sale — At Shepherd University’s Tabler Farm. Sunday May 11, noon - 4 pm. Info…
Adam Booth — Speak Stories presents a story telling concert at the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church. Tuesday May 13, 7:30 pm. Info & tickets…
Bee Line March lecture — Historic Shepherdstown presents historian Doug Perks for a lecture and Q&A session about Jefferson County’s contribution to the Revolutionary War. Wednesday May 14, 7 pm. Info…
Bird Friendly Cities — Friends of the National Conservation Training Center host author Tim Beatley for a discussion on making our cities and towns more hospitable to birds. Thursday, May 15, 7 pm. Info…
Tell us about your event — email Explore@ObserverWV.com.
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