Beech Tree News Network

In the first installment of "Know Your Boards," Beech Tree News examines all of the boards that serve the city of Morgantown. Next, Beech Tree News takes a look at all of the boards that serve Butler County. Beech Tree News made open records requests to both the City and County governments for a complete list of their boards, board members, salary, meeting time, and board description to provide our readers with accurate information.

Morgantown Utilities Commission
Members of this Commission are responsible for hiring, compensating, and discharging all Utility employees. They also have complete control over the collection, rate setting, and record keeping of all Utility accounts. Commissioners have control over the maintenance, operation, and extension of the Utility System. The Commission is responsible for ensuring that the Utility System rules and regulations are in accordance with all state, federal, and local regulations.

Members of this Commission serve three year terms after being appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Each Commissioner receives a monthly salary of $418.69 paid with funds from the Utility System, not tax money. Current members of this Commission are Chairman Hugh C. Evans, Secretary Bobby Green, Dale Adcock, and Garnett Williams. The Commission meets on the second Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at the Eva J. Hawes Building in the Charles Black City Park.

Morgantown Housing Authority Commission
Members of this Commission are responsible for adopting and enforcing policies to provide affordable and decent housing.

Members of this Commission serve four year terms. Each Commissioner receives a monthly salary of $129.01. Current members of this Commission are Glendal Coleman, Talmage Ray, James Dossey, and Iris Moore; Anita Jenkins, Housing Director, receives the same salary as the Commission. The Housing Authority meets every third Monday at noon.

Planning and Zoning Commission
The five member Planning and Zoning Commission is responsible for all zoning districts in the city limits, signage, permits for signs and buildings, rezoning districts, preparing and adopting comprehensive plan, and any amendments to the zoning map.

Members of this Commission serve four year terms and receive a monthly salary of $258.04 for their services. Members of this Commission are Chairman Jodie Forgy, Danny Cardwell, Hobart Flener Jr., William South, and Patty Craig. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Eva J. Hawes building in the Charles Black City Park.

Board of Adjustments (Appeals Board)
Members of this Board hear requests for variances and special exemptions from the City's zoning ordinances. They are also empowered to review the decisions of administrative officials in the enforcement of zoning regulations.

Members of this Board serve four year terms and receive a yearly salary of $103.38 and the same amount for each meeting. The Board is required to meet once a year in addition to each time that an appeal is made. The members of this Board are Valarie Tarrance, William Sutton, Roger Southerland, Raleigh Blancett, and Woody Martin.

All board appointments are made by the Mayor and approved by the council.