CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Commission is approaching its next budget with caution as commissioners study how to address a $900,000 budget gap.
Commissioner Patsy Trecost told MetroNews affiliate WAJR-AM the financial hole is related to a drop in public utility valuations worth $43 million. According to officials, one gas company’s value of around $900,000 dropped to $1,400 this year. Thirty-six other West Virginia counties have reported similar decreases.
Trecost noted the decreasing price of natural gas has affected revenues, limiting what the county commission can do next year.
“Last year, we were able to give a 3% raise. We might not be able to give as much this year across the board,” Trecost said. “It goes back to we don’t want to lay anybody off, but through attrition, we may have to reduce our workforce.”
Trecost warned if state legislators are successful in changing inventory taxes, it would be another blow to the budget. Property owners pay taxes worth around 93% of a property’s value, but the number could change.
“If we do get rid of the inventory tax — which is about 25% of our budget — then will we have to go from 93% up which then means people are going to pay more money on their real estate tax,” he said. “Which of course trickles down to us, the middle class.”
The commission will meet twice next week to discuss the budget.