Upshur Commission agrees on pool hours and prices after shortfall

“It’s reduced from several years ago when it was $100,000 a year in deficit,” Raffety said. “We are trying to provide the service to the citizens of the county, but at the same time recognize our responsibility as the stewards of the county.”

Last week, commissioners said they understood there is no way to completely bridge the deficit, and a grant requires continued operation of the pool.

In lieu of season pool passes this year, one-day passes will be sold in books of five for $20. Any businesses interested in selling the pool passes can contact the Upshur County Commission office.

Regular pool hours will be 12:30-5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the same hours on Sunday, which will be “Family Fun Day” with a lower admission price.

Admission has been raised from $4 to $5, but the Sunday price will remain $4. There will be no charge for children age 2 or younger.

Rather than have only one set of hours for after-hours pool parties, there will be two reservation blocks.

The pool can be privately reserved between 6-8 p.m. and 8:30-10:30 p.m. Instead of one set fee, the charge will be based upon attendance corresponding with the number of lifeguards required to manage those numbers.

Reservations of fewer than 40 people will be $175. Reservations of 40-80 will be $200. Reservations of more than 80 people will be $225.

The pool will continue to offer swimming lessons by appointment only, but the fee has been raised from $10 per person to $15 for a 45-minute block.

Complete information, including additional pricing and details, can be found on the Upshur County Commission’s website and the Upshur County Pool’s Facebook page.

In other news, Home Confinement Supervisor Cpl. Rodney Rolenson reported that savings from the Home Confinement Program for Upshur County have continued to increase over the years.

He said the program saved the county $553,668.75 in regional jail fees in 2015. He said the program collected $115,868 and paid out $36,720 to a company monitoring GPS units, which led to a profit of $79,148.

Rolenson said the program is up $10,000 from the previous year and even more from 2013.

In other news, Community Corrections Program Director Cheyenne Walters reported that program saved both Lewis and Upshur counties approximately $3.6 million.

“We’re up from 2014, which is good,” Walters said. “That’s because we have added some programs … and different things we’ve started utilizing for the participants to pay.”

Despite those positive numbers, Walters said Community Corrections is down in the number of its referrals between both counties.

In other news, this year marks the 75th annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival. Commissioners approved the use of the courthouse plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 14 for festival opening ceremonies. They also approved use of the grounds at 5 p.m. May 17 until the conclusion of the festival May 22.

Affiliates of the festival requested an additional funding contribution from the Upshur County Commission, totaling $2,250 to be split between the coronation and reception. However, commissioners could not fulfill the request because they already have expended all of the money allotted in the budget to help local organizations and quality-of-life matters.

Also Thursday, commissioners approved and signed a memorandum of understanding with the West Virginia Network and James W. Curry Public Library for the handling of technological problems and issues. The agreement is effective March 1 until notification is made in writing by either party to cancel.