WEST FINLEY TOWNSHIP
Board of Supervisors Special Meeting
January 12, 2026
The West Finley Township Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Township Office Building. Chair Duncan and Vice Chair Adams were present. Supervisor Pritt was unavailable.
Claire Hagan, Tim Moore, Carol Saalback, Jerry Welsh, Angela Lash, Tracey and Mark Smith, Bill Riggle, Henrietta and Glenn O’Brien, Rick Davis, Tracey Shaulis, Mike Funka, Jon Layne, Craig Yoho, Cody Cantaral, Rich Grimm, Denise Blum, and Brandon Gray were also present for the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Duncan called the meeting to order at 6:11 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a prayer from Chair Duncan followed.
PRIOR MEETING MINUTES
The Secretary read the minutes from the January 5, 2026 Organization meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Chair Duncan and seconded by Vice Chair Adams. All in favor, Ayes: 2, motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Chair Duncan motioned to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation for the public hearing date of February 2, 2026. Vice Chair Adams seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 2, motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
The Township received requests for letters of support for LSA projects. Morris Township asked for support for a water filling station and the Washington County Association of Township Officials (WCATO) requests support for emergency radio upgrades for the county. Chair Duncan motioned to approve a letter of support for Morris Township. Vice Chair Adams seconded the motion. All in favor, Ayes: 2, motion carried.
WEST FINLEY VFC REPORT
Deferred until next monthly meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
Deferred
TOWNSHIP REPORT
The PA State Police report was submitted by Lt. Dowlin’s assistant. It was prepared for the Board prior to the meeting. The Supervisors reviewed the report.
Page 2 of 2
The IRS set the maximum mileage reimbursement allowable for 2026. The new mileage will be 72.5 cents/mile.
The Secretary gave the Board an update of the Auditor’s meeting. The auditors approved a pay rate of $24.50/hour for Supervisors working as employees for 2026. They also set dates for audits of the tax collector, treasurer, and WF VFC.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Deferred
PUBLIC COMMENT
Tracey Smith asked for clarification on the township mileage rate. The rate is .3 mils and the multiplier is .0003.
Jerry Walsh mentioned the water usage that data centers consume. He said even utilizing ways to conserve water, like a “closed loop system,” do not make much of an impact.
Angela Lash stated that companies say they aren’t draining wells, but they tap into the aquifers. They drain quickly but take a long time to refill.
Brandon Gray asked if the Zoning Ordinance was sent to the Washington County Planning Commission.
Tim Collins asked what would happen if the Township gets taken to court. If Zoning is adopted, a separate Zoning attorney would need to be appointed.
Craig Yoho suggests getting water from the #4 dam or from Ohio County PSD.
Tim Moore commented on his review of the Zoning Ordinance. He believes it is very resident friendly and will help us maintain our rural character while not overstepping our personal choices and giving the Township a level of protection for future developments.
Tim Collins questioned if the gas well presence could be a loophole for the data center developers to use to their advantage.
Angela Lash reminded everyone that solar farms also have effects on animals, their reproductive cycles and migratory patterns.
Bill Riggle stated that solar in general can be effective. Especially for residential purposes and farming needs.
Claire Hagan stated that she also uses solar on her property.
ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING
Chair Duncan adjourned the meeting at 6:58 pm.