Beech Tree News Network

One local tax will be coming down in 2024 as Morgantown makes plans to significantly lower its insurance premium tax.

At the Morgantown City Council's regular meeting on Thursday, February 9, Mayor Billy Phelps recommended that the council lower the insurance premium tax in the city from 8% to 2%, effective January 1 of 2024. This will be at a cost to the city of $299, 907. However, according to Phelps, “the city is in good financial shape…. and I want people to see that when we put a tax on, we give it back when we can.”

Council member Russell Givens added that the tax “helped make many improvements to our city." "I’m glad,” he continued, “that we are able to give this back but I also want to say that we have been, and are continuing to, be able to do many things (with that revenue) to improve our community. Things like the Main Street Park and River Park are just two examples of this, added Givens."

The council approved reducing the insurance premium tax rate on a unanimous 6-0 vote.  All council members were present - Dustin Embry, Sharon Johnson, Dionne Merritt, Russell Givens, Bryan Locke, and Amy Deweese.  

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The first board to present to the council was planning and zoning. Bob McKee gave the report. McKee explained that the board is in the process of creating a new burn ban ordinance to be submitted to the council soon. He also mentioned that the board is looking at the possibility of requiring a permit to erect a fence in the city limits. There are guidelines for fencing in other documents, but there is not a cohesive permit process as of now. The planning and zoning board will get back to the council regarding this matter, as well.

From the utilities board, Mark Alford explained that rain and extreme cold have slowed their work recently. However, they have still managed to install gas services at several locations, repair two substantial water leaks and reminded the council that the sewer system inspection is ongoing as time and weather permit.  

In housing news, Jackie Lloyd was named interim executive director. She brings to the position many years of management and human resource experience. In other staffing news, Holly Neighbors has recently taken the position of occupancy clerk.  Replacement of storm doors at Dabbs Tuck and Huff Ingram is almost complete, as well as the installation of new refrigerators in all units.

The Morgantown Fire Department had a busy month in January with three vehicle accidents in the county and one in the city. They also assisted with one vehicle accident in Ohio County. They were called out for structure fires: one the county and one in the city, one grass or woods fire call in the county,  structure fires: one in the county, and one call for assistance in the county.  The department also received a grant for an AED machine and are currently awaiting approval of four more grants for other needed supplies and equipment.

Code Enforcement opened three new cases, all rubbish and garbage related, but were able to resolve two other cases. The board had one ABC request for Family Dollar to sell packaged alcohol.

Brad Johnson, from public works shared that his team has been working on the city park renovation finishing fencing as well as making improvements to the pavilions including electric, new tables and making inquiries about installing WIFI throughout the park.  

Police Chief Giles Taylor reported that his department had answered 302 dispatch calls in the month of January. They responded to eleven vehicle accidents, opened five new criminal investigations, made ninety-seven traffic stops-writing forty-five citations, and responded to four alcohol-related calls.

City Clerk Tristan Klein informed the council that she recently completed a conference regarding the last steps in the plans for a new fire and police station. Now, the city will wait for the grant funds to be released so the job can be put out for bid. She reported that the city is also making progess on the approval of a TAP grant to be used for lighting exiting William Natcher Parkway.

In new business, CPA from Hensley and Throneberry CPAs presented their findings from the 2022 Annual Financial Audit Report. Throneberry first expressed his gratitude to the City of Morgantown for allowing his firm to work with it, as well as praising city staff for making the process efficient and effective. Throneberry explained his findings to the council, concluding that the report was very favorable.

Lastly, Mayor Phelps recommended that Audrey Pharris be put on the tourism board after the recent resignation of another member. His recommendation was approved by the council.