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City staff outline municipal ID program with small startup cost, business perks and partner outreach
Summary
City communications director presented plans for a municipal ID program designed to expand access to services; start-up hardware/software costs estimated at $2,358.60, with local businesses and partners being asked to provide perks and acceptance.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Brad Riffey, the city’s public relations and communications director, told Morgantown City Council on June 17 that staff believe a municipal ID program can be implemented successfully and affordably and could expand access to city services for residents without state or federal photo identification.
Riffey said the one-time hardware and software cost for the program is $2,358.60 and that the city envisions the ID serving both residents and employees as a photo ID platform that could grow to include payment or membership functionality.
Why it matters: Municipal IDs are often used to connect residents to local services — library access, social services or discounts — and can lower barriers for people who lack state-issued IDs. Council members asked practical questions about card features, future changes and interoperability with local systems.
Program details presented: Riffey said the ID would be available to anyone regardless of age or housing status and would include a hardship affidavit for people experiencing financial or housing instability. The city has discussed acceptance and perks with potential partners including the Morgantown Public Library, local businesses, Beau Park’s Eureka Café (a proposed buy-one-get-50%-off offer), the MET (a free popcorn with drink), a future ice arena (one free public skate) and a downtown credit union to accept the ID for account openings.
Riffey said Grace Shelter staff reviewed the proposed list of acceptable identity and residency documents and found them "very inclusive" for their clients. He noted the system can support magnetic stripes, QR codes and swipable chips and that the same hardware/software is compatible with Mountain Line transit equipment should the city pursue transit integration in the future.
Council questions focused on technical capability and future changes. Riffey said cards could be reissued or updated (for example, adding mag-stripe data) rather than requiring a new design in all cases, and that the card back could include contact numbers, QR links and logos to promote access to information.
No formal vote or policy adoption occurred; council members thanked staff and encouraged ongoing conversations with partners and administration. Riffey said the city could be the first in West Virginia to implement such a program and that staff will continue to refine operational details with partners and stakeholders.
Ending: Councilors expressed support and asked staff to continue shaping the program with partner input; Riffey encouraged any further suggestions and questions from the public or council.
