SALVAGE YARDS DISCUSSED — Efforts to get illegal salvage yards and other unkempt properties cleaned were discussed at Tuesday’s Brooke County Commission meeting. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Through the county’s compliance officer, the Brooke County Commission has been pushing for owners of property filled with non-functioning vehicles and other trash to clean them up.

County Compliance Officer David Holden Tuesday told the commission certified letters have been sent to such property owners and a daily fine of $100 has been ordered for at least one for failing to take action.

He confirmed those cited for such violations have 30 days from notification to seek an appeal through the county commission.

Holden said while violations may be brought to magistrate court, most owners of unkempt properties will take steps to address them before it comes to that.

Commission President A.J. Thomas agreed, saying, “We’re willing to work with them even if we implement a fine.”

Holden added some allowances may be made in light of the winter weather.

He was hired last year to investigate complaints of dilapidated structures, high grass, junk cars and other trash in yards and other public nuisances.

But illegal salvage yards — characterized by discarded vehicles, tires and other bulky trash — have been a recurring complaint.

State law establishes certain conditions for legal salvage yards, including specific distances from roadways and neighboring residences, and their operators must obtain a permit from local authorities.

Thomas noted those operating salvage yards in unincorporated areas of Brooke County must seek a permit from the county commission.

A property owner who fails to pay fines ordered against them may have a lien placed on their property so that if the property should be sold, the commission could collect the fines from its sale.

In recent months, the commission has been faced with a unique situation surrounding a property on McCord Hill Road near Beech Bottom.

Thomas said ownership of the long vacant lot has fallen to multiple heirs, who each own a very small portion.

He said circumstances surrounding it may allow the county’s sheriff to become administrator for the estate, pending approval through the 1st Judicial Circuit Court, and sell it through a public auction.

The two actions would allow the commission to enter the property and clean it up and recoup the cost for the cleanup through the sale.

In other business, the commissioners agreed to advertise for a new county elections clerk, pending appointment of current clerk Sarah DeLong as a Brooke County magistrate.

They praised DeLong for her efforts in overseeing the county’s elections under the direction of County Clerk Kim Barbetta.

Thomas recalled working with her to redistrict the county to conform with population changes.

“You poured your heart into that office. Thank you,” he told her.

County Commissioner Tom Diserio added, “You will be hard to replace.”

DeLong told the commissioners, “It was an honor working for Kim. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for her.”

The commission also appointed Jesse Krieg to fill the unexpired term of Brooke Hills Park board member Julie Barnhart, who died on July 23 following a long battle with liver disease. Banhart’s term will end in January.