Wellsburg Council pursues Home Rule designation

Wellsburg Council initiated its application for West Virginia's Home Rule program to address a revenue shortfall impacting local infrastructure. The proposed plan includes a 1 percent sales tax on goods and services, pending a reduction of the local business and occupation tax. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12 to review the Home Rule application before it is submitted. During the meeting, council members also debated the necessity of adding a second monthly meeting, with some arguing it could lead to inefficiencies.

Others countered that special meetings could address urgent issues as they arise. The council discussed consolidating polling places to the Wellsburg Banquet Hall to save costs associated with election staffing. This change aligns with state legislation requiring municipal elections to coincide with general elections, affecting the terms of elected officials. Mayor Weld indicated that the city would likely incur lower election costs under the new arrangement.