BECKLEY, W.Va. — Starting July 1, the City of Beckley will impose a 1 percent municipal sales tax, and will lower some B&O tax rates for businesses operating within city limits. The new tax structure is expected to generate a net $3 million annually.
A total of 7 percent sales tax will be collected (6 percent state and 1 percent city).
City officials hosted a public forum Tuesday morning to discuss the changes and answer questions from local business owners.
Recorder-treasurer Rob Rappold explained this change was made possible through the Home Rule Program, which allows cities to override state codes that may be cumbersome to the city’s operation.
He highlighted the city’s rising employee insurance costs over the past five years, now up to $4 million, a large portion of the city’s $20 million budget.
“For the city, this was an opportunity to try and stabilize our financial situation…