MERCER COUNTY PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT – MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2025
The Mercer County Public Service District met at 241 Mercer Springs Road, Princeton, WV. The meeting was opened by Chairman Kennett at 10:00 a.m. following a prayer by Stacy Fowler.
BOARD & PROJECT UPDATES
- Administrative: Bill Winfrey was absent; Chairman Kennett provided the update.
- Rt. 19 Agreements: Agreements are completed. A message was sent to Bill Winfrey regarding the right-of-way for the building in Lake Bottom.
- Electrical: Vest Electric has completed the electrical install, with inspection occurring on November 5, 2025. Quoted work will be completed soon.
- McComas Project: Design is complete. There are 36 total easements; 15 are complete and title work is finished for those. All permits are in place, though there is no DOH Bond yet.
- Matoaka: This project is almost finished. A spreadsheet for final expenditures will be sent out by Jack Ramsey. A remaining balance of $2,767.67 may be used for safety equipment pending review of a submitted list.
REGIONAL PROJECT & INFRASTRUCTURE
- Regional Sewer: EL Robinson has completed Phase A1 and A1A; they are currently waiting on EPA comments and signed permits. Design is complete.
- Rt. 19 Bridge Crossings: Currently in a holding pattern awaiting funding. Commission President Bill Archer met with Parkways; they request designs. Discussion regarding hanging a new 6-inch line to connect projects is ongoing.
- Pocahontas Water Replacement: Bids open on December 14. There was discussion regarding contractor licensing requirements between West Virginia and Virginia.
- Cornbread Ridge & Brickyard: Cornbread Ridge is being pushed forward by Commissioner Puckett, while funding is still being sought for Brickyard.
- Oakvale: Connection costs are currently too high ($500,000 per customer) to justify service at this time.
AGENCY & FUNDING UPDATES
- Furloughs: DEP and EPA workers are currently furloughed with no update. Stacy Fowler noted that funding is secure until the end of March 2026.
- Region One: Assisted with McComas flood notices published recently.
- Right-of-Ways: Emerald Energy of Kentucky will handle right-of-ways. The Board expressed that the cost of $1,350.00 per easement is very high.
- IJDC: The current funding cap is $350,000; the District has asked for this cap to be reviewed.
LASHMEET BOUNDARY EXTENSION
- Water & Sewer: Extension is for water only as the PSD already controls sewer rights. American Water’s involvement is needed for billing and PSC rate establishment. This was not on the agenda for today so no formal action was taken.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
- New Hire: Falicay Hammack joined as a Part Time employee at the Matoaka Plant. She will be processing for OIT.
FINANCIALS & ADJOURNMENT
- Motions: Mike moved and Leo seconded to accept McComas contracts, invoices, and Thomas & Litton drawdowns; the motion was approved.
- Final Check: A final check of $170.00 to Region One will close the project account.
Meeting Adjourned Next Meeting: December 4th, 2025