South Charleston has taken another step toward imposing a 1 percent city sales tax.
In a unanimous voice vote, council on Thursday evening gave final approval to an ordinance authorizing submission of the sales tax plan to the state's Municipal Home Rule Board.
The city estimates the tax would raise an estimated $4.3 million annually. It would be accompanied by an annual reduction of $366,263 in the city's business and occupation tax for utilities. The city expects that tax reduction to be passed on to utility customers in the city.
Mayor Frank Mullens has said the sales tax would help South Charleston meet its pension obligations, pay for infrastructure improvements and help the city keep its wages competitive.
City Attorney Michael Moore said the sales tax plan will be submitted to the state's Municipal Home Rule Board for consideration at the board's Nov. 16 meeting. The board can approve or reject it.
If the board approves the plan, Moore said it will be submitted to council for a first reading on Dec. 3 and a second reading on Dec. 17. It would become final after the second reading.
City Manager Rick Atkinson has said the city's goal is for the sales tax to take effect on July 1, 2016.
In other action Thursday, council unanimously approved a $127,882 bid by Worldwide Equipment of W.Va., South Charleston Division, to provide a 2017 Kenworth T370 Series conventional truck equipped with a 20-cubic-yard rear load refuse packer.
West Virginia Tractor Co. of Charleston unsuccessfully offered to provide a 2016 Kenworth T300 Series cab and chassis with a Paccar diesel engine and a New Way Cobra 20-cubic-yard rear load refuse packer for $127,882; a 2017 Freightliner M2 106 cab and chassis with a diesel engine and a New Way packer unit for $128,553; or a 2016 International 7400 cab and chassis with a Navistar diesel engine and a New Way packer unit for $132,049.
Council also approved a $20,438 bid by West Virginia Paving Inc. of Dunbar to pave the Glenwood pool track and parking lot. It was the only bid received.
Council members approved a $11,335 change order for construction of the new Fire Station No. 1. The change order is for the labor and 25 tons of cement needed to stabilize 8,000 square feet of existing soil. The need to stabilize the soil was an unforeseen condition. Ward 7 Chairman Jamie Sibold, who is the Finance Committee chairman, said the change order is for a change, not for an additional expenditure.
City leaders also approved a request by Mayor Mullens for $1,000 for the Shop with a Cop program in December if the money is needed.
Council unanimously approved the appointment of former councilman Jeff Means to the Sanitary Board. Mullens, who recommended Means for the position, noted that Means is an employee of The Dow Chemical Co. and is a former councilman.
Council members listened as Mullens proclaimed Nov. 15 "Heart and Hand House Day," in celebration of the organization's 50th anniversary. According to the proclamation, in 2014 Heart and Hand served 3,991 people and provided 8,896 services, including providing toys for 423 children and food for 317 families at Christmas.
During announcements:
n Police Chief Brad Rinehart said a report of glass being found in Halloween candy passed out at Armour View was not true. He said it was a prank by four teenage girls.
n Public Works Director Gerald Burgy said his employees are trying to get back on schedule with its leaf pick-up schedule. He also said the city's food drive for Heart and Hand has collected about 1,500 cans of food to date. The drive continues for two more weeks.
n Attorney Moore said an easement for a beautification project along MacCorkle Avenue is awaiting the approval of Union Carbide Corp.'s attorneys.
Ward 3 Councilwoman Kathleen Walker did not attend Thursday's meeting.
Council's next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 on the second floor of City Hall on D Street.