MORGANTOWN — With the city of Morgantown expecting dire fiscal repercussions from the efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Bill Kawecki has reached out to Governor Jim Justice to ask for consideration when federal dollars become available.
In a letter dated March 26, Kawecki says the city anticipates losing between $2 million and $4 million in tax revenue by the end of June due to the closure of non-essential businesses and WVU’s move to online instruction.
“This crisis has done unique economic harm to our local economy that is driven by the operations of West Virginia University and its 30,000-student population, which has for the most part been sent home to complete classes online,” Kawecki explained in the letter. “WVU students are a major source of patronage for the Morgantown economy. Annual economic drivers such as WVU graduations and sporting events, which are important annual revenue sources have been cancelled.”
He also notes Morgantown/Monongalia County have a high number of COVID-19 cases compared to other parts of the state and cites Senator Joe Manchin’s claim that West Virginia will receive $1.2 billion from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Kawecki writes “It is our understanding that the intention of the legislation is to distribute aid to the states so that they may use their local knowledge to distribute it appropriately among affected residents and communities.”
Asked about what specific actions the city is considering to offset these expected losses, Communications Manager Andrew Stacy said it’s too early to discuss.
“City administration has begun meeting with council members to brief them on options to reduce costs. It would be premature to discuss these options until we have a better idea of how much this will impact revenue.”
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