County Commission & Charles Town Council Prioritize Different Issues
Published 14 days ago • 6 min read
The Observer Weekly
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June 19, 2025
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
Jefferson County Commission Gets Closer To Its Big Move
The Jefferson County Commission has passed a key milestone in its purchase of two new buildings that will serve as the county’s administration offices and judicial center.
On June 18, in a brief teleconference meeting, all five commissioners voted to accept the terms of the bonds the county will issue to cover a portion of the building purchase. The total amount of the debt will be $16 million, with an interest rate of 4.646 percent, and a repayment term of 20 years.
According to the bond underwriter, the average annual debt service (the amount the county will pay each year for interest and principal repayment) will be $1.253 million.
The Commission will use the $16 million it receives from the bond sale, plus $7.5 million in cash to purchase the 393 North Lawrence Street and 330 North George Street buildings. The County Commission has scheduled a meeting on June 24 to approve the wire transfer of the funds to complete the purchase (the Commission has not yet announced the closing date for the transaction, but it is expected to occur quickly after the Commission vote on June 24).
Following the vote to accept the debt terms, Commissioner Pasha Majdi remarked that the issuing of bonds was “a very big step forward for the county.”
There’s no set timeline. Your medical treatment plays the biggest role—settlement talks often only begin once treatment ends. Some cases resolve in months; others take over a year. Serious injuries, complex claims, or trials can extend the process. Recovery comes first so we can make sure that your settlement is valued correctly.
While the County is focused on buying two new buildings, Charles Town leaders are eager to address what will happen to the existing buildings in the 100 block of East Washington Street (image above) after the County Commission moves its offices.
On June 16, Ann Paonessa, the president of Charles Town Now, briefed the City Council on a proposal to study the redevelopment potential of these buildings. Place and Main, the consulting firm offering to conduct the analysis, is a consulting firm with expertise in downtown revitalization and redevelopment projects. According to Paonessa, the firm is highly recommended by other cities in the Main Street America program.
The City has already voted to fund the $80,000 cost of the study and had been hoping to enlist the County Commission’s support to provide access to the buildings so it can understand their condition. The Commission has made it clear that it prefers to wait until it has completed the purchase of the two new buildings before it engages with the City.
During the June 16 discussion, Paonessa emphasized her concern that the Place and Main consultants have a narrow window of availability in 2025 to work on the Charles Town project — and that their next available window to assist Charles Town might not be until 2026 or 2027.
There was some back and forth discussion between Paonessa, the council members, and Stephanie Grove, the City’s attorney, about whether the City could begin the work without the direct cooperation of the County. The Council took no action during the meeting to move forward, but newly-elected Mayor Micheal George remarked after the meeting that he hopes the City and County can continue discussions on how to work together.
A word from the Contemporary American Theater Festival
CATF invites you to experience the story of two queer Hollywood stuntmen as they navigate the dangers of exposing their love. Happy Fall, based on true life events, is told with live stunts, video, puppetry, and cinematic illusions. This world premiere illuminates issues of identity, and highlights both the importance and danger of being true to one’s self. Discover Happy Fall and the other four world premieres at the Contemporary American Theater Festival, running July 11 – August 3. Tickets online at CATF.org.
The Fireworks Are Always Early In Jefferson County
Don’t wait until July 4th or you’ll miss the show!
Jefferson County Parks & Recreation will host its annual fireworks show on Saturday, June 28 at Sam Michaels Park (235 Sam Michaels Lane, Shenandoah Junction).
Gates will open at 6 pm and the fireworks show will start around 9:15 (at dark). Admission and parking are free. Bring your own blankets and chairs — but no tents or umbrellas.
There will be several food trucks and you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Pets, smoking and vaping are not allowed in the park. The park also asks that you not bring any fireworks or sparklers.
The event is funded by the County Commission, and the municipalities of Bolivar, Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, Ranson, and Shepherdstown. In-kind support is provided by Bakerton Fire Department, Jefferson County Sheriff Department, Jefferson County Sheriff Reserves, Apple Valley Waste, and DJ Ray at Shenandoah Entertainment.
A message from the Jefferson County Democratic Association
READY FOR A CHANGE?
Let's talk about it! Join the Jefferson County Democratic Association for a beverage to celebrate West Virginia Day, Friday June 20. We'll be at Alma Bea, 202 E Washington St. in Shepherdstown from 5 to 7 pm. There's lots to talk about and we'll be looking for you.
Bark in the Park is rescheduled to June 21 due to weather.
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Juneteenth Storytime — A family-friendly reading hour in honor of Juneteenth at the Charles Town Library (200 East Washington St., Charles Town). Friday, June 20, 10:30 am. Free. Info…
Hip after Six: Flights on Main — Celebration of WV’s own legendary pilot Chuck Yeager with “flight”-themed offerings at various Charles Town downtown businesses. Friday, June 20, 6–9 pm. Info…
Kids Movie: Harold & the Purple Crayon — Movie night indoors at Shepherdstown Public Library (145 Higbee Lane, Shepherdstown). Friday, June 20, 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Jordan Siwek in Concert — New York City-born pianist, singer, and songwriter whose music blends soulful melodies with jazz and blues influences at Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St., Shepherdstown). Friday, June 20, 7 pm. Tickets & Info…
AWS Bark in the Park — Animal Welfare Society fundraiser and adoption event at Jefferson Memorial Park (801 South Mildred St., Charles Town). Saturday, June 21, 10 am–1 pm. Info…
Chickenstock — Monthly poultry swap/sale with other vendors at Gower’s Feed (1208 N. Mildred St., Charles Town). Saturday, June 21, 9 am–1 pm. Free. Info…
National Road Museum Grand Opening — Ribbon-cutting, music, and celebration of the official opening of this museum focused on the first federally-funded road in the United States (214 North Main St., Boonsboro). Saturday, June 21, 10 am–4 pm. Donation. Info…
Music on the Ridge: The Bill Papas Project — Live outdoor music on the historic grounds of Storer College in Harpers Ferry. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Saturday, June 21, 4–8 pm.Donation Info…
X of the Potomac in Concert — Alt-folk band live at Shepherdstown Opera House (131 West German St., Shepherdstown). Saturday, June 21, 7 pm. Tickets & Info…
Bookmark in the Park — A community reading family event with bubble play at Rumsey Park (206 N. Mill St., Shepherdstown). Sunday, June 22, 2 pm. Free. Info…
Concert of Revolutionary War Music — Music of the Regiment musicians perform on period instruments and explain martial music from the Revolutionary War, presented by Friends of Music and the Bee Line March 250th Anniversary Celebration. Trinity Episcopal Church (208 West German St., Shepherdstown). Sunday, June 22, 3 pm. Free. Info…
Concert in the Park: Gray Matter — Evening outdoor concert at Shafer Park (37 Park Drive, Boonsboro) featuring local band Gray Matter. Bring chairs, blankets, and picnics. Sunday, June 22, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Rainbow Rock Band — Family-friendly music show at Sam Michaels Park as part of “Let’s Play at the AMP” (235 Sam Michael Lane, Shenandoah Junction). Tuesday, June 24, 7 pm. Free. Info…
Freedom and the Freedmen’s Bureau in West Virginia — Book launch by historian Dr. John Stealey at the Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, Shepherd University (213 North King St., Shepherdstown). Thursday, June 26, 6–8 pm. Tickets & Info…
