6:00: Morning News

Huntington council considering proposed pandemic relief package

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Members of Huntington’s City Council are considering a proposal from Huntington Mayor Steve Williams to lift some city taxes and fees for residents, retail businesses and restaurants during the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic.

The Huntington COVID-19 Relief Package was scheduled to be taken up during Monday’s 7:30 p.m. meeting.

Mayor Steve Williams

As proposed, residential refuse fees would be lifted for April, May and June in Huntington and, during the same three-month time period, retail establishments and restaurants would be exempt from city business and occupation taxes.

“Everybody needs some help right now,” said Mayor Williams.

Garbage service would continue as scheduled during the fee-free period, if approved.

“As individuals are losing their hours or being laid off, residents within the community need some relief and we fully recognize that every little bit helps,” he told MetroNews.

“What we needed to be able to show is that we’re doing what we can in the short term and praying that, come June, that we will have worked our way through this gauntlet.”

As far as the B&O taxes, other businesses were seeking inclusion, but Williams said Huntington could not afford to extend the temporary relief to all businesses.

“We still have to provide police protection, fire protection, pick up garbage and keep our streets clean and you have to be able to pay for that,” Williams said.

“Let’s identify the most vulnerable and see what we can do to help them.”

Already, the Huntington Municipal Parking Board has been working with businesses in Downtown Huntington on parking as restaurants transition to curbside, delivery and pickup services under an order from Governor Jim Justice.

“They are so vulnerable. I’m scared to death, if they close the doors, they might not ever reopen,” Williams said.

“Something extremely special has been created in Huntington and we have to protect it at all means and this is one way that we do what we can and we continue to look for other things that we might be able to do to help them out.”

If the tax and fee relief proposal is passed on 1st Reading on Monday evening, it could be taken up for passage on 2nd Reading during a special meeting as early as March 31.





More News

News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 28, 2024 - 6:20 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm
News
Barbour County woman sentenced after death case sent back to circuit court by Supreme Court
Carli Reed sentenced on voluntary manslaughter conviction.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm