Preston County implements spending freeze amid pandemic

KINGWOOD – Preston County Commissioners have implemented a spending freeze and is now asking the for financial assistance from the state amid economic burden that has resulted from the coronavirus pandemic.

In a press release issued Wednesday, the commission announced a freeze on all new hiring, non-essential work related to travel, all non-essential overtime in all departments, and all non-essential expenditures.

Only expenditures such as payroll, maintenance, utilities and other essentials will be approved by the county commission. other emergency spending requests will be considered on a case by case basis.

Commissioners are also asking the state for help making the county’s regional jail payments. If the state Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation grants the request, the commission will make payments on the regional jail bill for the months of March, April, May and June 2020 with the final payments being made before December 1.