By Toni Milbourne, The Journal
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — In a joint meeting between Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties commissioners and upcoming members of the Eastern Panhandle legislative delegation, commissioners made a strong case seeking support to gain approval to ask for the public’s vote on a one percent county-wide sales tax.
The tax has already been voted upon and implemented in local municipalities where those purchasing goods pay seven cents as opposed to the six cents for state sales tax.
“We’re not asking you to increase taxes, but provide us the tools so we as Berkeley County Commissioners can make decisions to add that sales tax,” Steve Catlett, Berkeley County Commissioner, told those legislators attending Thursday’s meeting.
Catlett explained that the purpose of that increased one percent would be to help fund public safety. “We are asking for the ability for the public to make their own decision,” Catlett continued as he explained that the sales tax, if voted on via referendum by the voters, would create a steady funding stream to help pay for such needs as additional police officers, resource officers for every school, ambulance service and fire service, without the need to increase fees charged for those services.
