Berkeley County officials approve $95K property tax exonerations and plan community events

During the Berkeley County Commission meeting on March 20, 2025, significant discussions centered around financial exonerations and community events, highlighting both fiscal responsibility and local engagement.

The commission approved a request for exonerations totaling $95,379.95, which included $3,217.50 for personal property and $93,688 for real estate due to an error in tax classification. Commissioner Hess explained that the real estate error stemmed from a miscalculation in the county's information system, where identical units were mistakenly counted multiple times. "It's just a mistake. You gotta correct it," he stated, emphasizing the importance of rectifying such errors to maintain accurate tax records.

In addition to financial matters, the meeting also celebrated the success of the recent St. Patrick's Day festival, which was reported as the largest in West Virginia's history. The event saw a significant increase in beer sales, jumping from $24,000 to $37,000, attributed to changes in sales strategy. The festival's organizers are now preparing for upcoming events, including a wine festival in May, indicating a vibrant community spirit and economic activity.

Commissioner Hardy reported on various meetings, including a planning commission discussion about a new data center project, which raised concerns about water usage and noise. He also addressed safety initiatives in schools, where local emergency services have been actively educating students about health and safety issues.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to addressing financial discrepancies while fostering community engagement through successful local events and proactive safety measures. The anticipated outcomes from these discussions include improved fiscal management and continued community involvement in upcoming festivals and safety programs.