BEGINNING DISCUSSIONS — Weirton Council met in a work session Thursday evening to begin discussions for the city’s 2026-27 general fund budget. A second workshop is being planned for next week. Pictured, from left, are Mayor Dean Harris, City Manager Mike Adams, and Councilmembers Rick Stead, Anthony Rocchio, and Brittany Holloway. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Weirton Council is beginning the process of planning for the next fiscal year, with members meeting in a work session at the Millsop Community Center Thursday evening.

“This is our first budget workshop to work on our 26-27 budget,” Mayor Dean Harris explained in opening the session.

The 2026-2027 fiscal year will begin on July 1, with Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich noting she is still waiting for some information – including property tax numbers from Hancock County – as part of her preparations.

A second workshop is tentatively being planned for March 5, also in the Rose Room of the community center, with the goal to have the budget finalized by March 25 to allow for the time needed to advertise it and submit it to the state.

“Pretty much everything is staying the same on the revenue side,” Smoljanovich said, announcing the current revenue and expenditure balance stands at $29,684,750.

This compares to the current year’s budget of $30,572,772.

She noted one major adjustment, which will affect every department, is the increase in health insurance costs. Council approved a health plan in December through Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, with a Gap plan provided by Pan American Accident and Health, but with an increase of 17.8 percent in costs.

It was noted there are contract negotiations scheduled over the next year with both the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 84 and the Weirton IAFF Local 948, with Smoljanovich attempting to account for anticipated pay increases as a result.

A review of each department was provided, with notes on some potential capital projects and purchases, including the possibility of some exterior maintenance at the Weirton Municipal Building.

“We’ve done a good job with the inside, but the outside needs attention,” Harris said.

Ward 4 Councilman Rick Stead asked if those exterior maintenance plans could also include the Millsop Community Center, noting needs there with the stairs and other outdoor areas.

“We own the building,” Stead said, while pointing to current plans for the budget to include a $1.25 million allocation to Weirton’s Parks in the budget instead of the $1.5 million which had been requested.

The Public Works Department has requested funds for repairs to its existing salt barn, while also noting the need for an additional barn.

“We definitely need one,” explained Public Works Director Allen Hess. “We could potentially empty our barns in a couple of bad storms.”

The Weirton Police Department is requesting three new cruisers, which Smoljanovich said would be done through a lease-purchase agreement, while Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick noted there previously had been $500,000 set aside for the fire department to purchase a used fire truck for its fleet.

Planning and Development Director Mark Miller noted his funding requests included the costs of the anticipated Comprehensive Plan update, which includes a master development plan for Weirton Parks and a focus on development for the city’s downtown. There also are proposed costs in the event grant funding is awarded for a proposed expansion of the Panhandle Rail Trail.

Smoljanovich did note she had not included any potential increase in the city’s Municipal Service Fee, which is under consideration by council, explaining she could amend the budget at a later time if the increase is approved.