In a 2-1 vote last week, the Wetzel-Tyler County Health Board voted to purchase property in New Martinsville and construct a new health department facility.

The department now leases space from the Paden City Development Authority and will remain in that location until construction is complete.

Board President Larry Lemon said the owners of the property the board hopes to purchase must go through a process to accept the board’s offer to buy before the deal can be completed and construction can begin. He added the board will inform both county commissions of the status of the transaction.

The decision to relocate from Paden City to New Martinsville followed presentations by three entities. The proposed locations included a seven-lot site in Paden City at the corner of W.Va. 2 and East Main Street; property owned by and located next to the United Methodist Church in New Martinsville; and property owned by the Wetzel County Commission adjacent to WVU Medicine Wetzel County Hospital.

Cork Bowen, president of the Paden City Development Authority proposed keeping the health department in the city at a site commonly known as Pineapple Park. He cited several reasons to choose Paden City, including availability of seven lots at $20,000 each, safe access through the traffic light at the corner, and a central location that would better serve the area’s aging population. He noted that an environmental assessment showed no environmental concerns and that all necessary utilities are in place.

Speaking in favor of the hospital-adjacent location was Bengy Swanson, administrative assistant for the Wetzel County Commission. Swanson said WVU Medicine is interested in the site for construction of a 15,000-square-foot facility and would utilize approximately 10,000 square feet, leaving 5,000 square feet available for the health department. One advantage would be its proximity to the hospital, which could provide convenient access to medical services. However, the department likely would have to wait two to three years before relocating.

Speaking in support of the church property was Jim Wobig, who emphasized that all utilities are in place. Environmental studies were completed in 2002 with no reported issues, but an updated assessment would be required at the church’s expense. Core samples have already been taken, and the property is ready for construction. The church is offering the property at a cost of $125,000 and offered its parking lots for use by the health department.

In an initial vote by a show of hands, the church site received two votes from Carla McBee and Tom Cooper, the Paden City site one vote from Eric Peters and the hospital-adjacent site none. The board has five members, but Brent Gamble was absent and President Larry Lemon abstained from voting due to a possible conflict of interest.

Following the vote, Peters made a motion to meet behind closed doors to discuss financial considerations. No action was reported following the executive session.

Ed Parsons contributed to this report.