WEIRTON, W.Va. — Weirton City Council approved the final readings to ordinances that amended the business and occupation tax – eliminating the wholesale tax – and creating a 1-percent sales tax under home rule during Monday’s council meeting.
Mayor Harold Miller said the new sales tax will generate an estimated $1.2 million to $1.5 million in revenue, noting that, in order to implement the sales tax, council had to adjust the business and occupation tax.
“This is our first time doing this, and we had to be very careful,” he said.
The 1-percent tax will be in addition to the 6-percent sales tax levied by the state and will be collected and sent to Charleston. The West Virginia Department of Taxes will then separate the city’s 1-percent tax and return it. Although the new taxes should be in effect by Jan. 1, Miller said the city likely won’t receive the first revenue from the taxes until July.
Council discussed repairs to the Gilson Avenue Fire Station, the facade of which was accidently damaged by a fire truck approximately three months ago. City Manager Travis Blosser said the repairs were expected to cost approximately $150,000 and that, since it was below the threshold of $250,000, the city could hire an architectural and engineering firm to draw up plans and solicit three bids quickly.
Also during the council meeting, a motion to take a proposed ordinance to dissolve the city’s Park Board off the table failed for a lack of a second. Ward 4 Councilman George Ash made the motion. A council member other than Ward 5 Councilman Doug Jackson, who originally proposed the ordinance, would have to re-introduce the ordinance for it to be acted on.
In other business:
Council members placed liens against 3916 Adams St., 317 Kentucky St. and 807 Cove Road to cover the costs of demolishing unsafe structures.
Council entered into agreements for health, dental, vision and life insurance coverage for eligible employees with Miller complimenting city administrators for the long hours and diligent negotiation to reduce the cost to employees.
Council members accepted West Virginia legislative digest funds for Marland Heights Park.
Council agreed to purchase three lightbars and five two-way mobile radios for the Weirton Police Department.
Council members agreed to establish a dedicated disability parking space on the 4300 block of Wells Street.
Council adjusted a yellow line indicating a 15-foot distance on the curb on the 100 block of Lafayette Circle.
Council members met in executive session to discuss pending litigation and personnel matters.
Rik Rekowski, Mary H. Weir Public Library director, noted the library has many periodicals and a musical library available for free download. Library staff are available to assist in downloading items.
Jackson thanked the road department for the work to divert water on Marland Heights Road, and it was noted residents should take care on the sharp turn, especially during adverse conditions.
Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel noted the Christmas tree contest at the Millsop Community Center is ongoing and community members may vote for their favorite tree with a $1 donation. He noted several new groups had become involved with the contest.
(Wallace-Minger can be contacted at [email protected])
