St. Albans City Council moved to adopt an ordinance Tuesday evening, to impose a 1 percent municipal sales and service tax by unanimous voice vote.
"From my understanding it is collected through the state tax department, then remitted to the city," said Charles Riffee, St. Albans city attorney.
Council also passed an ordinance amending an article of the city's codified ordinance, in order to be eligible to impose the new sales tax.
"To be able to do that, they have to repeal part of the business and occupation tax," Riffee said. "So they repealed the business and occupation tax as it relates to operating amusements."
In other action, council moved to adopt by unanimous voice vote an ordinance that makes the arraignment process easier on the city and its police officers.
According to the new ordinance, arresting officers can determine if the person they are arresting is a risk and write a citation that acts the same as an arraignment, instead of going through a municipal court.
Council also passed by unanimous voice vote the first reading of an ordinance reenacting fixed rates and charges for water service for customers of the city of St. Albans.
Mayor Dick Callaway officially declared a vacancy in the Ward 6 position on City Council after Councilwoman Loretta Griffith's death last month.
"I'll ask that council consult with people in the community," Callaway said. "We are looking for nominations for that particular seat."
Nominated candidates may give presentations at the next council meeting, and will be voted upon at the following meeting.
Council also approved the payment of current invoices, presented by Ward 2 Councilman Jason Philabaun, in the amount of $24,502.65.
In addition, council approved the seeking of bids for financing the St. Albans Fire Department's air pack systems.
Philabaun also gave a parks report announcing the Fiddlers' Galore free concert event at the St. Albans City Park Amphitheater from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 10.
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Kevin Pennington, commented that the first tailgate event was a success, selling 163 tickets.
The city began a program in partnership with students at St. Albans High School to host pre-game tailgates at all home games.
"We are going to sell tickets the week before to give more of them an opportunity," Pennington said. "Our D.J. is going to stay throughout the game, so we'll have a pre-game party and a celebration after at every home game."
Tickets are $10 and cover food and entry to the football game.
All members of council were present except Ward 4 Councilwoman Cheryl Thomas, who was ill.
Council's next meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 on the second floor of the municipal building at 51 Sixth Ave.