CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s possible and maybe even likely that 2021 will be a more difficult year financially for the state’s 55 counties than the pandemic-filled 2020.
West Virginia Association of Counties Executive Director Jonathan Adler said most counties were able to collect their property taxes by July 1, 2020 because they were based on the previous year. He said this year could be different because of the impact of the pandemic on 2020.
“Certainly were concerned about later this year and going into next year what will happen. There are a lot of businesses that may have closed. Things like that would have an impact on property taxes this year, we’re just not sure yet,” Adler said.
It’s that uncertainty that can make it even more difficult for county commissions. Adler said the sooner things can get back to normal the better.
“Making sure people are employed, hold on to their residences and don’t have to move out and businesses themselves keeping on,” Adler said.
Adler is hopeful counties will receive further clarification on how they can use federal CARES Act funds. He said there wasn’t much direction from Washington in 2020. He said the recent extension of the funding may bring much needed information for the counties.
“I think this year we’re going to see better leadership, more defined rules and regs on how that money can be spent,” Adler said. “I think people worried about getting that money and spending it and not doing it correctly.”
The counties received the funds from the Justice administration. Several counties used the money for bonuses for those on the front line of the pandemic.
Adler said counties have additional needs and the federal funds would be a big help.
“There just wasn’t proper direction from Washington that made people feel comfortable about what CARES Act monies could be used for,” Adler said.