CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill allowing counties to implement a tax to fund local infrastructure improvements had overwhelming support in the House.
Del. Joe Statler (R-Monongalia), who introduced HB 4009, told his colleagues the legislation had 3 years of research behind it and creates a revenue tool that is important to consider.
“I’m asking this body to help us help ourselves. Please, please push the green light on this legislation to allow the counties to move forward,” Statler said before his colleagues Friday afternoon.
Delegates passed the Letting Our Counties Act Locally Act in a 60-39 vote. Ultimately, road projects supported by county sales tax of up to 1% could be put on the ballot for voters to approve or deny. Prior to the bill going to the full House, Statler said a local poll showed 64% of respondents would support a local tax if it meant new and improved crumbling roadways.
“We’ve got 11 projects identified from the MPO (Morgantown Metropolitan Planning Organization) at over $280 million. That’s only a drop of what’s going on that needs addressed in Monongalia County,” Statler added.
Del. Brian Kurcaba (R-Monongalia), a supporter of the bill, said a projected $400 million dollar state budget hole forced leaders to think of new ways to raise revenue.
“If we asked for specific infrastructure improvements to alleviate the traffic and congestion in our areas, we would probably come back with nothing,” Kurcaba said. “So, we came with a solution where we could try to fund it ourselves and let the folks in our community make the final decision.”
The legislation would require road plans within a county to be proposed to county commissioners.
The cost, money raised through a proposed sales tax, must be transparent with detailed line items of where the sales tax revenue would go.
Residents have to be given proper time to comment on the proposal. Then, the DOH has 60 days to decide if the project is feasible. If approved, the project and sales tax proposal would be placed on a ballot for county residents.
Among concerns from lawmakers opposed to HB4009 was what kind of disconnect could be created between a county and its highway department and who would be responsible for road maintenance.
“This bill does not tell the Department of Highways nor does the Department of Highways tell the county ‘You need to take care of your roads, we’re not going to do it any longer’. There’s nothing from the truth on this bill,” Statler confirmed.
The bill goes on to the Senate.