Nicholas County’s Local Government Structure
County Commissioners of Nicholas County Commission serve as the county’s chief fiscal body and a quasi-judicial authority for property tax appeals. They oversee elections, economic development, and probate matters, including wills and fiduciary appointments. They also appoint members to local boards and commissions as authorized by law.
Current Commissioners
The following individuals are currently serving six-year terms as Commissioners:
Local Boards
County Commissioners appoint members to local boards and commissions as authorized by the legislature, including:
Nicholas County Assessor
The Nicholas County Assessor, Betty Griffin, oversees property assessments to determine ad valorem taxes. The office, located in the Courthouse basement, maintains district tax maps outlining property boundaries. County residents must report their real and personal property. The Assessor serves a four-year term ending in 2028.
Nicholas County Circuit Clerk
The Clerk's office, located on the first floor of the Courthouse, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You can reach the office by phone at (304) 872-7820. In addition to its other duties, the Clerk serves as the chief election official for all county, state, and federal elections.
Circuit Clerks are elected for six-year terms and may appoint deputy clerks who take the same oath. They serve as the Registrar, Recorder, and Custodian of all court pleadings, documents, and funds. The Clerk also manages the Petit and Grand Jury systems under court direction, including:
- Randomly selecting jurors.
- Qualifying and summoning jurors.
- Monitoring attendance and mileage for reimbursement.
- Overseeing court terms in January, May, and September.
Nicholas County Clerk
Robert Painter is the Clerk of the County Commission in Nicholas County. The Clerk's office handles various services, including recording deeds and wills, issuing marriage licenses, registering voters, and providing copies of birth certificates. Additionally, recorded document indexing is now available online.
Nicholas County Prosecuting Attorney
Paul Williams serves as the Prosecutor for Nicholas County, overseeing legal proceedings and representing the state in criminal cases. With a commitment to justice, he leads a dedicated team in prosecuting cases and ensuring fair outcomes for the community.
- Michael Cox
- Anthony Salvatore
Nicholas County Sheriff
Johnny W. Evans Jr. is the Sheriff of Nicholas County, responsible for law enforcement and public safety in the area. He leads the Sheriff's Department with a focus on protecting the community, enforcing laws, and maintaining order throughout the county.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management/E911
John McGinnis is the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management/E911 for Nicholas County. He oversees emergency response efforts, ensuring the county is prepared for disasters and providing critical coordination during emergencies to protect the safety and well-being of the community.
Get in Touch
The Nicholas County Commission offers vital local and state information services to keep residents and businesses informed about the latest developments and available resources. Please contact us if you have any questions.