BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The West Virginia Municipal Home Rule Board on Monday gave Bridgeport the go-ahead to enact a 1 percent sales tax to finance a proposed indoor recreation complex.
During a meeting in Charleston, the Home Rule Board unanimously approved the city’s amendment to its home rule plan seeking the authority to impose the sales tax, said Hoy Murphy, spokesman for the state Department of Commerce.
“They talked to the board and explained what they wanted to do, and it was approved,” Murphy said.
The Commerce Department includes the state Development Office, which administers the state home rule pilot program.
Bridgeport City Manager Kim Haws, who attended the meeting with Assistant City Manager Jimmy Smith, said the Home Rule Board didn’t appear to have any problems with the amendment to the city’s home rule application.
“The city is excited that they have the authority at this point to determine the fate of the indoor recreation complex,” Haws said.
Bridgeport Mayor Bob Greer echoed Haws’ sentiments.
“It’s something we think is a positive development for Bridgeport, and now we have an opportunity to discuss whether or not there’s grounds to move forward,” Greer said.
Home rule gives cities more say in how they govern…