The Bethany Town Council’s latest meeting was held on March 5, being rather concise. 

​

The town earned over $19 thousand dollars in the month of February, but it also spent almost $17 thousand in expenditures. 

 

Police & Fire 

​

Per her wishes at the last meeting, police chief Sara Dent has acquired full access to the offices of the Brooke County Sheriff. Because of this newfound access, Bethany police officers can now arrest people as needed at any time of the day. 

​

No updates were available regarding the Highway Safety Coordinator grant, which would enable the police department to set up a new speed trap. Despite this, a plan to update the squad cars with Verizon wi-fi is currently in motion. 

​

According to the council, the issue of money being taken from the police department’s account has been resolved. 

 

The Bethany Fire Department responded to three fires last month, as well as eight medical emergencies. A new burning law began on March 1, stating that fires may not be burned in the town from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. This will last until May 31. 

 

Bethany’s new fire truck is planned to be displayed at the FDIC International firefighter's convention in Indianapolis. The convention will run April 7-12. 

​

Discussion took place as to rather the town should look for another police officer, one unconnected to Bethany College. 

​

Town Cleanliness & Improvements 
 

Several concerns were made about the state of the town. 

​

According to one member, the paint on the community center (where these meetings are held), has begun to rot. Suggestions were taken as to what color it should be repainted to. 

​

Concern was risen regarding the presence of cinders on the town’s roads. The old streetsweeper formerly used to clear such things has been “junked.” The idea of hiring contractors was floated, but put down for being too expensive. Another idea that was considered is to buy attachments to convert a jeep into a plow. 

​

162 trees have been logged by Bethany College in the past month. Most of the trees were said to be old or diseased. The operation is certified by the West Virginia Department of Forestry. 

​

The “old opera house,” located on Pendelton Street, is set for demolition. According to the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, & History, the brick home was built around 1870. The demolition date for the house, which is unoccupied, is unknown. 

​

As an improvement, new street signs made of iron have been purchased to replace the current wooden ones. They are planned to be painted green. 

​

Other 

​

The town budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year was unanimously approved. This includes a 15 percent pay raise for the town’s elected officials. The town’s mayor, clerk, and recorder will all receive raises. 

​

Of the 19 people who owed back taxes, only six paid by their due date of March 4. The council plans to have the county sheriff deliver warnings. 

​

Elections for the town’s infrastructure, including for mayor, will be held in June. 

​

The Bethany Town Council will convene again on April 2 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be located at the town’s community center, near the town’s park. All residents are welcome to attend.