Trending
PARKERSBURG -- The Wood County Commission approved a bid for new computers that will be placed at the new Wood County 911 Center as construction at the center appears to be wrapping up.
Wood County Commissioners unanimously approved a bid for 12 computers for $23,917.80 from MRA International of Long Branch, N.J. The commission received one other bid from Platinum Micro Inc. of Sylmar, Calif., for $46,748.
The computers will be used for dispatching at the new center.
Wood County 911 Director Mike Shook said construction is wrapping up at the center with the county expected to take possession of the building at the end of the week.
"This is about the fifth 'end of the week' I have heard," he said with a chuckle.
Crews were at the center on Monday beginning the process of putting the dispatching stations together, he said, adding they are expected to be ready by Wednesday.
Commissioners said when officials get the keys to the building they wanted to set up a time to go out there and take a tour, as early as this Thursday if possible. They suggested bringing along Wood County Clerk Joe Gonzales and Wood County Prosecutor Pat Lefebure with them as they both will have storage spaces in the new facility.
Officials hope to have the new center up and operational by next spring.
Lefebure said his office's office manager/legal assistant has been in the position for 26 years and is retiring on Jan. 15, 2024. The office will have to pay out vacation time which will go into March.
"The big issue for me is hiring someone for that position because they are going to have to take over the budget and things of that nature," Lefebure said.
He has posted the job position and has begun taking applications. He would like to have someone who can start on Jan. 1 to work a couple weeks with the office manager.
He wants to have up to $10,000 to be able to cover the salary/vacation pay of his current office manager while paying the salary of the new office manager during the transition period.
The position assists with the legal side of things, dealing with orders, daily file preparation, making sure everything is filed correctly, handling witnesses and more.
Lefebure said he has got some good candidates and will be starting his interviews this week.
"I would rather have someone in line sooner rather than later," he said.
The commission unanimously approved the funding request.
In other business, the commission announced vacancies on the Wood County Planning Commission, the Wood County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Wood County Development Authority. Officials who are serving in those positions will be asked if they want to continue on. The commission will make appointments next week.
Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com