Dugan never received scanner as other commissioners did

Morgan County Commission President Stacy Dugan was thwarted in her efforts to get a 911 scanner for her office, when the other two commissioners failed to support her motion to purchase the equipment.

Both Commissioners Brenda Hutchinson and Brad Close have county-purchased scanners for their own use at home.

Hutchinson’s scanner was passed on to her by former Commissioner Bob Ford and Close’s was given to him by former Commissioner Tommy Swaim.

Dugan said that when she inquired about the equipment that had been
used by former Commissioner Glen Stotler, she was told he’d given the scanner and 911 radio to police in Paw Paw, leaving Dugan without one.

The commissioners use the scanners to monitor 911 activity throughout the county, including fire, rescue and police calls.

“I would like to have a scanner or radio. I’m the only commissioner that
doesn’t have one,” Dugan said during the Thursday, August 18 commission
meeting.

She asked 911 Director Dave Michael about the cost and type of scanner that was needed to replace the missing equipment.

Michael said a digital scanner, capable of picking up both VHF and UHF frequencies used by Morgan County EMS, Sheriff’s Department and State Police, would cost $400 to $600.

Dugan said she would like to be able to monitor emergency responses across the county, and be aware if any agency was “scratching” or failing to respond to calls.

During the ten-minute discussion, both Close and Hutchinson said they don’t use their radios much.

Dugan suggested Close could give his scanner to her, if that was the case.
Close said it wasn’t given to him for that purpose.

“I’m not going to vote to spend $400 to $600 to buy a scanner when we’ve asked every other office to cut their equipment budget,” Close said.

Dugan said the scanner was not really for her, but for the office she holds.

“And when I leave, I’ll make sure the next commissioner gets it,” she said.

Dugan made a motion to spend the money on the equipment, but neither of the other commissioners would second it.

Circuit Court upgrades
In other business, the commissioners voted 2-1 to pay $1,950 for computer upgrades for the Morgan County Circuit Clerk’s office.

The updates are required by the West Virginia Supreme Court, though the agency didn’t provide funds for the improvements.

Commissioner Dugan opposed the move, saying Circuit Clerk Kim Jackson could cover the expense out of her office budget.

Paw Paw rent
The commissioners agreed to stop paying $400 per month to lease office space in Paw Paw for use by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Vince Shambaugh had previously discussed the monthly charge with Commissioner Hutchinson. He said his officers didn’t use the former satellite office and hadn’t for some time.

Shambaugh said the space was filled with items belonging to the town, Hutchinson reported.

Commissioner Close said the county would hold off any further payments and should make certain that there were no outstanding agreements or contracts relating to the lease.