KINGWOOD – Kingwood’s 1% sales tax is proving to be a nice addition to the town’s budget, helping the town make improvements to its infrastructure and purchase new equipment. Kingwood Mayor Jean Guillot said quarterly income from the tax is between $103,000 and $119,000.
The tax applies to sales made within the city and on internet sales to people living in Kingwood, basically to the same items and services as the state sales tax. Exempt purchases include prescription drugs, motor fuel, sale or use of motor vehicles, and satellite TV service. Morgantown and Fairmont have also adopted the tax.
Guillot said council opted to use the tax for public enhancement to help local businesses prosper, and attract new businesses.
“If the community looks better, then more people will move in and more businesses will open here,” he said.
Guillot said the town has used a portion of the 1% tax to replace Kingwood’s old 1970s street sweeper, and a 1960s roller. He said the funds were also used for improvements at Browns Park, to hire an additional police officer, and replace one of the city police cruisers.
He said the funds will also be used to replace the 1980s sound system at the Civic Center and to add a splash pad to the swimming pool.
“We put back $50,000 to go toward the condemnation of dilapidated buildings,” Guillot said.
He said money from the 1% tax is separate from the water and sewer department funds. Guillot said both the water and sewer department are working to improve their systems.
The Public Service Department (PSD) sets rates for the sewer and water department. The rates are set to allow these departments to cover their expenses.
“The water rate increase is necessary,” he said. “They (water board) want to make improvements to some of the old lines. Some are terra cotta and they have issues. The sewer department wants to get rid of the grinder pumps.”
He said he believes Kingwood is lucky because it has qualified people on the water board, sewer board, and council, who are all working together to make improvements.
“(WV) Route 7 has been repaved, the city is painting light poles and fixing our roads,” Guillot said. “Overall we are trying to improve the quality of life in Kingwood. People are moving into Kingwood and new businesses are opening.”
He said City Clerk Michelle Whetsell has been contacted by the towns of Terra Alta, Bruceton Mills, Tunnelton, Rowlesburg and Reedsville, which have shown an interest in the 1% tax.
“They have seen the improvements Kingwood has been able to make,” Guillot said.
Kingwood City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
The Water Board meets at 6 p.m the third Tuesday of the month..
The Sewer Board meets at 2:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month.
Unless otherwise specified, all three meet at the Kingwood Civic Center.
City Clerk Michelle Whetsell said Kingwood City Council meetings can be watched live on the City of Kingwood Facebook page. She said past council meetings can also be viewed at the site.
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