MONEY TALKS — Weirton Council met in a work session Wednesday, reviewing plans for the city’s 2024-25 fiscal budgets. A final budget must be submitted to the state by the end of March. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Weirton Council officially began a review of the city’s proposed 2024-25 fiscal budgets Wednesday, meeting in a work session in the council chambers of the Weirton Municipal Building to go over anticipated revenue and expenses.

“We’re not looking at any real decrease in revenue,” explained Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich.

The city is anticipating a total revenue for 2024-25 of $25,192,094, which includes $21,692.094 in operating revenue and $3,500,000 in a fund balance carried over from the current fiscal year. This compares to the $29,817,570 for the current budget, which included $22,817,570 in operating revenue and $7 million in carryover. According to Smoljanovich, the major difference is a result of the spending and accounting for the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funding.

While a focus has been on the announced idling of the tinplate operations of Cleveland-Cliffs in Weirton, Smoljanovich said much of those potential financial losses to the city will be offset by ongoing construction by Form Energy, as well as the project on Park Drive.

As part of the city’s anticipated expenses, an initial $6,571,637 was set up for personnel, with $16,368,857 for other operational expenses. There also was $1,755,339 for equipment and projects, $423,644 for current equipment leases, and $72,617 for contingencies.

Smoljanovich noted some of the areas which will need attention include the upcoming negotiations with the Weirton Municipal Employees Union as well as budget adjustments for the operations of Weirton Transit which is continuing its transition from a private, non-profit entity into a municipal department.

City officials anticipate additional work sessions to discuss the budget, along with a special council meeting to give final approval.

“This is our first foray,” said City Manager Mike Adams.

The city must submit its budget to the state by the end of March, with Smoljanovich noting the final deadline is March 28.