MORGANTOWN — The Monongalia County Commission approved ballot access for a referendum to be put before the voters of Star City that would move the town’s municipal election to coincide with county, state and federal elections.
The town’s representatives are working with Monongalia County Clerk Carye Blaney’s office to get that question on the ballot for Star City residents when they hit the voting booth in November.
“We look forward to working with the commission and with Carye Blaney. That’s something that’s very positive and we hope the other municipalities will consider that in the future as well,” Star City Recorder Steve Blinko said Wednesday.
Members of the commission agreed.
Commission President Tom Bloom said he would like to see Morgantown, Westover and Granville follow suit “so that more people would get involved in the voting process.”
Star City’s municipal elections are currently held in June of odd-numbered years. Star City Mayor Herman Reid said the town typically spends between $3,000 and $4,000 holding an election.
According to The Dominion Post archive, 89 votes for Councilor Sharon Doyle was the most received by any candidate in 2019. In 2021, Reid received 98 to top the list.
According to Reid, there are about 2,000 residents in the town.
“I would say to all the other entities, the county is here and ready to help,” Commissioner Sean Sikora said. “This is something that saves the municipalities an expense and, in my opinion, it brings more people out to vote. We’re not here to tell you what to do. We’re here to help if you want to.”
In other news from Wednesday’s meeting, the commission:
• Introduced Sara Maloney as the county’s litter control officer.
Maloney will step in for the retiring Tim Fitchett.
As part of that role, Maloney will also handle abandoned and dilapidated properties for the county.
The position comes with a starting pay of $40,000.
• Heard from Tax Deputy Kelly Palmer that “several hundred” tax bills have been returned to her office by the post office.
Palmer said anyone who hasn’t received their bill can call 304-291-7244 or go online at monsheriff.com to pay their bill or check their balance.
The annual discount for payment ends Sept. 1.
• Heard from Planning Director Andrew Gast-Bray, who said the county will join with the municipalities and the MPO to hold a “comprehensive plan fair” from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 8 at Mountaineer Station.
“It’s a chance to engage with people and have your questions answered and give your feedback on the various comp plans,” he said.
TWEET @DominionPostWV
