Feb. 20, 2009
Huntington Chamber Supports User Fee Increase if Exclusively for Police, Streets
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Despite the unpopularity of any rate hike, the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce voted to support Mayor Wolfe’s proposed $1.00 per week increase in the user fee. The endorsement comes with the condition that all of the collected raise in the fee be used exclusively for street resurfacing and the hiring of new police officers.
During an earlier interview with HNN council chairman James Insco expressed concerns about the user fee increase. He pointed out that the two previous administrations have used monies from the now $2.00 per week fee for other items, not just law enforcement hiring and street resurfacing. His interpretation of the ordinance is that ALL of the user fee monies, not just a proposed $1.00 increase, must be designated for police officer hiring or street paving.
Insco has asked that the budget be made transparent enough so the public can tell where all of the user fee funds go.
Mayor Wolfe, meanwhile, in the State of the City emphasized police protection and streets in stating “every dollar raised of the projected increase will go back to the citizens in services or by making us better administratively to meet constituent needs.”
He added, “I’m standing here to say this increase will enable us to see some results with paving streets and better police protection.”
As the budget session countdown awaits, both council and the administration remain open to working effectively together to move Huntington forward.
Huntington City Council holds its work session Friday, February 20 at 4 p.m. The next meeting is Monday, Feb. 23. Insco early told HNN that it’s likely there will be a budget session Saturday morning, Feb. 21, in council chambers.
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Huntington Chamber Supports User Fee Increase if Exclusively for Police, Streets
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Despite the unpopularity of any rate hike, the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce voted to support Mayor Wolfe’s proposed $1.00 per week increase in the user fee. The endorsement comes with the condition that all of the collected raise in the fee be used exclusively for street resurfacing and the hiring of new police officers.
During an earlier interview with HNN council chairman James Insco expressed concerns about the user fee increase. He pointed out that the two previous administrations have used monies from the now $2.00 per week fee for other items, not just law enforcement hiring and street resurfacing. His interpretation of the ordinance is that ALL of the user fee monies, not just a proposed $1.00 increase, must be designated for police officer hiring or street paving.
Insco has asked that the budget be made transparent enough so the public can tell where all of the user fee funds go.
Mayor Wolfe, meanwhile, in the State of the City emphasized police protection and streets in stating “every dollar raised of the projected increase will go back to the citizens in services or by making us better administratively to meet constituent needs.”
He added, “I’m standing here to say this increase will enable us to see some results with paving streets and better police protection.”
As the budget session countdown awaits, both council and the administration remain open to working effectively together to move Huntington forward.
Huntington City Council holds its work session Friday, February 20 at 4 p.m. The next meeting is Monday, Feb. 23. Insco early told HNN that it’s likely there will be a budget session Saturday morning, Feb. 21, in council chambers.
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