Harrison County officials fear budget cuts for FY 2021-22

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Harrison County Commissioners have tough budget choices ahead after a reported drop in public utility valuations of $43 million. On WAJR’s Talk of the Town Commissioner Patsy Trecost said the drop will leave a $900,000 hole in the FY 2021-22 budget.

“We’re going to have to proceed with caution. Last year we were able to give a 3 percent raise, we might not be able to give as much this year across the board,” Trecost said,” And it goes back to we don’t want to lay anybody off, but through attrition we may have to reduce our workforce.”

According to officials, one gas company had been valued at around $900,000, but that company was valued at $1,400 this year. Thirty-six other West Virginia counties have reported similar decreased in public utility valuations prompting more questions.

“We have so much natural gas right, but the prices are so low that the revenue is not coming in for that,” Trecost said.

When it comes to budget decisions, there will be tough ones that will require careful thought.

“All we are is in the service industry.” Trecost said,” Whether we’re providing police protection, recreation, cleaning up properties, infrastructure, fibre optic cable sewer and water.”

Trecost says if efforts to change the inventory tax return and are successful that would deal another blow to the budget and potentially Harrison County families. Currently, property owners pay property taxes in the amount of 93 percent of value, but that could change.

“If we do get rid of the inventory tax, which is about 25 percent of our budget,” Trecost said,” Then, will we have to go from 93 percent up which then means people are going to pay more money on their real estate tax- which of course trickles down to us- the middle class.”

Trecost as the budget process picks up steam in the coming weeks there will be a complete analysis and search for efficiencies. Three more special meetings are planned in addition to regular sessions.

“We have 55 deputies in Harrison County, and we’re happy to have that. We don’t want to lose that,” Trecost said,” We have officers in the schools- we have so services that we provide.”