Mike Farren

This 2021 progress report details the Town of Shepherdstown's advancements within the Municipal Home Rule Program. It outlines the status and outcomes of various initiatives, including the allocation of funding for marketing and tourism, implementation of a 1% sales tax, imposition of liens for delinquent fees, efforts to purchase tax liens, reduction of speed limits, regulation of alcohol sales establishments, ability to enter into contracts by resolution, fees for persons convicted in Town Court, and the authority for code enforcement officials to issue citations for sanitary violations. The report highlights successes, revenues generated (where applicable), and lessons learned from each initiative.

The application to the Municipal Home Rule Board requests approval to participate in Phase III of the Municipal Home Rule Pilot Project. The city seeks authorization to enact a 1% sales and use tax and reduce its B&O taxes. The plan includes providing a credit against B&O tax for restaurants and businesses selling prepared foods, and reducing the B&O tax rate on retail sales of motor vehicles.

The Martinsburg City Council held a special session that included a public hearing to solicit citizen comment on Ordinance 2016-16. The council discussed an ABCA Zoning Form for Asian Garden of WV, LLC, and heard petitions from citizens, including a request to add a discussion about the Martinsburg/Berkeley County Library Board to the next meeting agenda. The council also received and filed reports, minutes, and correspondence from the Human Relations Committee. Furthermore, the council adopted several ordinances and approved a request from the Hope Institute School of Theology to use the Town Square Pedestrian Plaza for a community event. The council also discussed and approved insurance renewal rates and a request from WBG Enterprises to film a music video at the Town Square Pedestrian Plaza.

The council held public hearings for ordinances related to amending the Home Rule Plan, establishing paid foster parent leave for city employees, authorizing lease agreements for car rental services and office space at the Morgantown Municipal Airport, and amending the FY 2019-2020 annual budget. Dani Ludwig requested an update on the placement of sharps containers, and Mollie Kennedy spoke in support of placing the sharps containers in Downtown Morgantown. The council also discussed and approved ordinances related to foster parent leave, budget amendments, submitting an amendment to its written plan to the Home Rule Board, and lease agreements for the airport.

The Town Council had a special meeting to discuss the Home Rule Ordinance authorizing the submission of the Town's Home Rule Plan to the West Virginia Municipal Home Rule Board. The council discussed the second reading of the Home Rule Ordinance and accepted the proposal. There were public comments and questions regarding the Home Rule Program, including concerns about the timing of implementation given current economic conditions.