Harpers Ferry hears 22 funding requests including police staffing, transit match and festival support

Harpers Ferry town leaders held a budget hearing to hear 22 funding requests from local organizations and municipal departments, with presenters seeking support for public safety staffing and equipment, transit operations, festivals and events, historic‑building maintenance and a series of smaller community projects.

The hearing convened as a listening session: presenters outlined needs but council members made no decisions or votes. Chief John (Chief of Police) described multiple public‑safety items the department is seeking — including two additional full‑time officers, vehicle replacements, in‑vehicle computers (ToughPads), replacement body armor, helmets, AEDs and responder medical bags — and asked council to consider those increases as part of next year’s budget. "I think there's gonna be a need for those two officers in the very near future, and I want to be prepared for that need," Chief John said.

The Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (EPTA) asked the town to continue an annual operating contribution the agency has received in prior years. Elaine Carlson, EPTA executive director, said the town’s municipal contribution pays direct local operating costs for service that stops in Harpers Ferry and stressed ridership has recovered to pre‑COVID levels. "We always use…