Weirton Council continues budget discussions

WEIRTON -- Weirton Council continued planning for its next fiscal year budgets, Wednesday, holding the second of a series of work sessions to prepare for the 2023-24 fiscal year beginning July 1.

Council held its first workshop last week, discussing various proposals and requests for its anticipated $26,648,338 general fund budget. A third workshop will be held at 5 p.m., Tuesday, in the council chambers of the Weirton Municipal Building.

Among the plans for the budget is an estimated $30,000 toward the city's next municipal election.

Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich noted the allotment is rough as the city's election format is changing in 2024, with a primary in May and a general in November, as well as changing precinct boundaries and looking toward the counties for assistance in some areas.

"I have no idea what to expect, and I don't think anyone else does either," she said.

Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh noted the $30,000 would only be for the primary election, as the city's general election would take place in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

City Manager Mike Adams explained the election changes is one of the reasons for plans to invest in updates to the city's geographic information systems equipment, which was discussed during the previous workshop, as it would help to better keep track of the voting precincts and wards.

"There are going to be changes," Adams said, adding the hope is the city would be able to use information from both Hancock and Brooke counties until a new system is in place.

There also is a budgeted $208,160 for data processing, with plans for funds to be used for updates to the city's website and a system to allow municipal forms to be filled out and submitted digitally.

A budget of $5,841,491 has been proposed for the Weirton Police Department, a slight decrease of the $5,877,927 set for this year.

Much of the budget will cover personnel and equipment costs, with Police Chief Charlie Kush requesting funds specifically for the replacement of service weapons and ammunition, as well as the purchase of two drones.

"A lot of departments now use a drone," Kush said, explaining two of his officers are certified as drone operators.

The department previously had purchased a drone; however, Kush said it has not been operational in his time as chief.

Kush also requested funds to purchase three Ford Explorers, which he said would have lights, but not marked vehicles.

"These won't be police packaged," he said, explaining the continued wear and tear on the department's fleet. "They're not patrol vehicles."

Council asked Kush about the vehicle he uses, which he admitted has been experiencing frequent mechanical problems, and suggested adding funds to purchase a vehicle for the chief.

"Would you prefer a car or a truck?" asked Ward 2 Councilman Chris Jonczak.

The Weirton Fire Department has been proposed to receive $4,026,581, also a slight decrease from the current year.

Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick noted, in addition to regular operational costs, he was requesting funds for a one-ton 4×4 cab and chassis, the purchase of new rescue equipment, eight sets of firefighting gear and the replacement of flooring and lights at headquarters station.

Himmelrick also brought up the possibility of hiring three new firefighters, to add to the current staff of 28, explaining he feels it will help to cut down on overtime costs, but also provide better coverage of the community when considering anticipated economic development in Weirton.

"We have to eventually start looking at the number of people we hire," he said, noting the Weirton Fire Department already provides primary fire protection for Cleveland-Cliffs, and additional manpower will be needed with development eyed in north Weirton.

He added those moves also could see the eventual reopening for the department's County Road facility as a functioning fire station.

Several on council agreed it is a topic in need of discussion.

"In light of the potential growth in that end of town, that needs a real serious look," said Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso.

Other areas discussed Wednesday included the Street Department, which will receive $2,911,000; the Sanitation Department with $1,901,697; the City Garage with $402,980 and Street Lighting to receive $365,000.

Approximately $3.2 million has been put toward operations of the City Building, including funding for planned renovations.

Electrical services has been proposed to receive $292,040.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)