5 Key Decisions: The Berkeley County Commission WV Updates You Need To Know Right Now

The Berkeley County Commission in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle has been at the center of significant policy and funding decisions in late 2025, directly impacting the county's rapid growth and public safety infrastructure. As the region continues to see an influx of new residents and development, the Commission's actions—from securing millions in federal grants to implementing new development fees—are shaping the future of Martinsburg and the surrounding areas.

This report provides the most current and essential updates as of December 2025, focusing on the key personnel and their recent, high-stakes decisions that affect every resident and developer in Berkeley County. Understanding these mandates is crucial for anyone living or doing business in one of West Virginia's fastest-growing counties.

The Five Leaders: Current Berkeley County Commissioners and Biographies

The Berkeley County Commission is comprised of five members, each elected countywide to serve six-year terms. These officials are responsible for the county's legislative and administrative oversight, including budget approval, public safety funding, and infrastructure policy.

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• G. Edgar "Eddie" Gochenour (President): Serving as the Commission President, Gochenour plays a crucial role in leading meetings and setting the agenda for the county's administrative business.
• H.D. "Howard" Boyd (Commissioner): A long-serving member, Boyd is one of the five commissioners responsible for the county's fiscal and operational health.
• Steve Catlett (Commissioner): Catlett is a key voting member, involved in the recent decisions regarding public safety staffing and development ordinances.
• Jim Whitacre (Commissioner): Whitacre is an active Commission Member who contributes to the ongoing discussions about county growth and resource allocation, particularly in areas like fire and EMS services.
• John Hardy (Commissioner): Hardy is a Republican commissioner who has publicly addressed issues related to county growth and the implementation of locality pay for county employees. His focus is often on managing the demands of the rapidly expanding population.

Other vital elected officials working closely with the Commission include County Sheriff Rob Blair, whose department is directly benefiting from the Commission's recent funding initiatives.

Public Safety Windfall: $3 Million in Federal Grants Secured in Late 2025

One of the most significant and immediate impacts of the Commission's recent work is the successful acquisition of millions of dollars in federal grant money aimed at bolstering public safety across Berkeley County. These grants directly address the strain placed on emergency services by the county's rapid population boom.

A Major Boost for Fire and Rescue Services

In a September 2025 announcement, the Berkeley County Commission was awarded a substantial $1.8 million federal grant. This critical funding is specifically earmarked for the hiring of 12 additional career firefighters. The move is a direct response to the increasing call volume and the need to professionalize and expand the county's fire and emergency medical services (EMS).

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The addition of these new positions will enhance the capacity of the county to respond to emergencies efficiently, a necessity given the continuous residential and commercial development throughout the Eastern Panhandle. This decision underscores the Commission's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its growing populace.

Expanding County Law Enforcement

Following the fire department announcement, the Commission secured another major federal grant in October 2025, this time totaling $1.2 million. This grant is dedicated to funding five new county law enforcement positions.

The increase in law enforcement personnel will allow the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office to better patrol and serve the expanding geographical and population base. By investing in both fire/EMS and law enforcement, the Commission is taking a comprehensive approach to managing the public safety challenges that accompany fast-paced suburbanization. These two grants alone represent a $3 million investment in community protection.

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The Controversial New Development Impact Fee: What Developers Must Pay

Perhaps the most talked-about policy decision of the Berkeley County Commission in 2025 is the implementation of a new county-wide impact fee. This fee, authorized under the West Virginia Local Powers Act (W.Va. Code §7-20), is designed to ensure that new commercial and residential development helps offset the cost of necessary public infrastructure expansion.

Fee Structure and Purpose

The new impact fee is a one-time charge collected at the time of development to fund improvements to various public services that are strained by new construction. The county's detailed fee schedule breaks down the cost by service area, ensuring the funds are used where the impact is felt most.

The fee structure for new residential units is as follows:

• Single-Family Home: The total impact fee is approximately $5,362. This covers contributions to fire/EMS, roads, parks, and libraries.
• Multi-Family Unit: The total fee is approximately $3,759.
• Mobile Home: The total fee is approximately $4,749.

The implementation of this impact fee signals a decisive shift in how Berkeley County funds its growth. It places a direct financial responsibility on new development to mitigate its strain on existing infrastructure, a policy decision that Martinsburg City Manager Andy Blake noted the city is required to follow.

Impact on Housing and Development

The new impact fee has significant implications for the local housing market and developer economics. While the fee helps fund essential services like roads and schools, it also adds to the cost of building new homes. The Commission's decision reflects a balancing act between encouraging growth and ensuring that the quality of life for existing residents is maintained.

Developers are now required to show proof of impact fee payment to the county before they can proceed with building permits, even for projects within the City of Martinsburg. This requirement streamlines the process of funding infrastructure projects crucial for the county's sustainability.

Future Focus: Zoning, Planning, and Continued Growth Management

Looking ahead to early 2026, the Berkeley County Commission and its associated bodies, such as the Planning Commission, continue to manage the county's rapid expansion. The Commission's consistent meeting schedule, with regular sessions in December 2025, demonstrates the ongoing effort to keep pace with development.

The focus remains on land use, zoning ordinances, and ensuring that the public safety gains from the recent grants translate into tangible improvements in service delivery. The Commission is actively reviewing new proposals and amendments, with items like the advertisement of new zoning ordinances expected in January 2026.

The collective decisions on public safety funding and the new impact fee represent the Commission's current strategy: managing explosive growth by ensuring that new development pays its fair share while simultaneously securing external funding to protect and serve the community. Residents and business owners should closely follow the Commission's agendas for continued updates on infrastructure, public services, and taxation policies in the Eastern Panhandle.