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CHESTER -- The city continues to progress toward eventual home rule, Chester officials said Monday afternoon at their regular council meeting.
Mayor Ken Morris had announced that the city was approved for the home rule program in February, which would allow select cities to implement changes without regards to state laws or rules as long as the modifications don't violate the U.S. or state constitutions or certain portions of West Virginia law.
Chester plans to implement a sales tax, much like other participating cities have.
Assistant Clerk Tara Ayers updated that several other steps need to be completed as part of the transition by July, including the city being assigned a final four digits to their ZIP code, which would allow them to distinguish city addresses from out-of-city limits addresses for tax purposes as well as implementing that 2 percent sales tax.
The actions all have to be completed by Dec. 31, which is 180 days before they can legally start collecting the tax on July 1.
Council members also discussed the $2 non-resident worker fee and notifying businesses within city limits, so they can start collecting it.
Municipal building manager Mike Dotson explained that an elevator inspector is expected this week, and the city already has received a quote regarding its fire suppression system.
Building tenants are having difficulty getting liability insurance without a proof that the services are current and up-to-date; however, he was advised to continue pursuing bids.
In other action, council:
¯ Expressed that the Thursday opening of the municipal building was going well, after unlocking the doors Thursday. Council voted to reinforce COVID protocol, which includes mandatory masks and social distancing to visitors of municipal offices.
¯ Agreed to have Ayers look into contracting with Morton Salt at $75 per ton for road salt, but altering the amount purchased to less than they planned as they lack the storage space.
¯ Scheduled their trick or treat hours for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 31 as long as COVID protocol with masks and social distancing is followed.
¯ Accepted $219,308 in receipts, which Ayers remarked was higher than usual as it included their received CARES Act allotment, and $49,119.32 in bills into the general fund. They also collected $800 for their building fund.
Members also discussed possibly increasing their technology using the CARES Act funds with moves like the purchase of laptop computers to provide extra flexibility and mobility.
Morris, all council members, Dotson as well as Ayers and Assistant Clerk Raegan Headley were present, but City Solicitor Michael Adams once again was absent.
Council next will meet at 5 p.m. Nov. 2 in the municipal building.