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County Commission Sees Budget Trouble Ahead
At the end of March, the Jefferson County Commission approved what the commissioners described as a “flat budget” for next year’s county budget. But that doesn’t mean the budget work is finished.
The 2026 fiscal year doesn’t start until July 1, but the Commission has already made several small adjustments to the budget to cover unanticipated expenses and fund required programs that were left out of the March plan.
The next adjustment will be more challenging. At this morning’s County Commission meeting, the county’s Chief Financial Officer, David Bound, reported a projected $500,000 increase in health insurance costs for next year.
The Commission expects a detailed report from its insurance broker by May 8 and will likely schedule one or more special meetings in the coming weeks to explore its options. Those options could include significant changes to employee coverage and cuts to other parts of the budget to make up the difference.
We’ll be following this story closely.
A message from Les & Ali's Jumbo Seafoood
AmeriCorps Funding Cuts Hit Jefferson County
West Virginia lost between 300 and 400 community service jobs this week due to major funding cuts to AmeriCorps programs. AmeriCorps, an independent federal agency funded by congressional appropriation, was directed by DOGE to cut funding across all of its “state & national” and VISTA programs. These cuts are in addition to the previously announced cuts to the Conservation Corps program and the AmeriCorps staff itself.
According to the AmeriCorps 2024 annual report for West Virginia, the agency funded 722 service member positions in 246 locations across the state. That funding totaled $8.6 million in federal dollars, matched by $5.8 million in local funds.
The Observer has confirmed that three Jefferson County organizations are among those affected:
Community Markets, a non-profit focused on providing locally-grown food to families in need, had four VISTA service members. All have been placed on a 30-day administrative hold pending termination.
The Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission employed an AmeriCorps service member through a program sponsored by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia (PAWV). That employee, along with more than 20 other AmeriCorps service members sponsored by PAWV, were terminated on April 30.
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS) lost funding for eight AmeriCorps members who ran year-round and summer educational programs. Although AmeriCorps support ended on April 30, PVAS has committed to using its own funding to keep these individuals on staff through this summer.
>>>Read more…
A message from Town Run Theater Company
The Town Run Theater Company is proud to present its debut play.
Bleeding Kansas, a powerful historical drama, explores the turbulent events that led to the Civil War, told through the voices of those who lived it.
Six performances only: May 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25.
Advance ticket purchase encouraged given limited seating at the historic Shepherdstown Opera House.
>>>Info & tickets…
Governor Morrisey Signs Data Center & Microgrid Bill
Governor Morrisey held a press conference yesterday in Mason County to sign HB 2014 (the “data center and microgrid” bill) and HB 2002 (the “one stop permitting” bill).
The choice of Mason County was not random. The county will be home to the 2,300 acre Fidelis “Mountaineer GigaBit” project that is expected to generate several gigawatts of electricity to power dozens of data centers when it is fully built out over the next decade.
The Governor sees this legislation as a tool that will allow data centers to be built in West Virginia “faster than anywhere else in the United States.” A key provision of the legislation removes local control over the permitting, construction, and operation of data centers.
State Senator Patricia Rucker has said she intends to push to include guidelines that protect local residents and the environment during the rulemaking process for HB 2014. Former Delegate John Doyle is skeptical that the rulemaking process will result in any significant protections. Speaking at a community meeting in Shepherdstown last night, he said you “can flesh [the new law] out, but you can’t make changes that are contrary to the law.”
>>>Read more…
Weekend Snapshot: Arts, Culture & Community
Highlights of events this weekend around Jefferson County:
First Friday in Shepherdstown — Live music hits the street in downtown Shepherdstown. Friday May 2, 5 - 7 pm. Free. Info…
Perfect Days — A Shepherdstown Film Society screening at the Shepherdstown Opera House. Friday May 2, 7 pm. Info & tickets…
Urinetown — Live theater at the Old Opera House in Charles Town. May 2, 3 & 4 and May 9, 10 & 11. Info & tickets…
No Shame Theater — Live theater at the Black Box in Shepherdstown. Friday May 2, 9 pm. Info & tickets…
Annual Youth Fishing Derby — Family-friendly event for ages 1 to 12 in Boonsboro. Saturday May 3, 7:30 am - 1 pm. Info…
Toy Train Museum & Joy Line Railroad — Opening weekend for this family-friendly activity in Harpers Ferry. Saturday May 3 & Sunday May 4, 10 am - 3 pm. Info…
Revolutionary Soldier Reenactment at Happy Retreat — History comes to life with the 8th Virginia Regiment. Free. Saturday May 3, 10 am - 5 pm. Info…
Earth Fest at Morgan Grove Park — A day-long festival of music, craft, food, plus the annual Maypole celebration, sponsored by the Shepherdstown Community Club. Saturday May 3, noon - 6 pm. Info…
MacBeth by the Rustic Mechanicals — Live theater at the Black Box in Shepherdstown. Saturday May 3, 8 pm and Sunday May 4, 2:30 pm. Info & tickets…
Puzzle Palooza — Fundraiser to support neurofibromatosis research by Greens for Bean. Sunday May 4, 2:00 pm. Info…
Tell us about your event — email Explore@ObserverWV.com.
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