Council approves pension closures, fire service charge increase and other items; multiple votes passed unanimously

Morgantown City Council on Jan. 7 approved multiple ordinances and resolutions related to pension funding, fire service charges, property sales and demolition contracts, recording unanimous roll-call votes on all final actions.

The council voted on second readings to close the city's legacy police and fire pension plans to new entrants and to enroll future hires in the Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System under the state's Option 2 financing method. John Ferguson, the city's finance director, described the package as a compromise reached after actuarial work by Bolton Retirement to secure benefits and reduce long-term fiscal strain. "They have presented in the end what we are referring to as the compromise plan," Ferguson said. He told council the police plan was about 21.3% funded with roughly $65.7 million unfunded as of the July 1, 2023 valuation.

Council also adopted an ordinance to increase the city's fire protection service charges by a one-time 15% adjustment. Staff said the increase is intended primarily to support the fire pension transition to the state program and secondarily to address rising operational costs including anticipated changes in holiday or premium pay.

Other items the council approved included: first reading of an airline agreement and lease with SkyWest Airlines; confirmation of a prior sale and authorization for a new deed to Jones Place LLC to clean up title; and a bid call and recommended award for asbestos abatement and demolition of two condemned Wharf District properties. The council also reappointed Brennan Williams to the planning commission by acclamation.

All formal recorded roll-call votes reported in the meeting transcript were unanimous in favor. Mayor Bougannon (Mayor) and six councilmembers recorded "yes" on the listed measures.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance (second reading): Close police pension plan to new entrants; elect State Option 2 financing; enroll new hires in Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System — Motion approved, vote 6-0. (Mover/second: not specified in transcript.)

- Ordinance (second reading): Close fire pension plan to new entrants; elect State Option 2 financing; enroll new hires in Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System — Motion approved, vote 6-0. (Mover/second: not specified in transcript.)

- Ordinance (second reading) amending Article 747: Establish fire protection service charges (one-time 15% increase) — Motion approved, vote 6-0. (Mover/second: not specified in transcript.)

- Bid call 2025.11: Asbestos abatement and demolition of 59 Donnelly Street and 64 Hoag Street and site restoration (Wharf District) — Motion approved, vote 6-0; staff recommended award to contractor referenced in packet. (Mover/second: not specified.)

- Ordinance (first reading): Airline agreement and lease with SkyWest Airlines (four-year lease, renewal options) — Passed first reading, vote 6-0.

- Ordinance (first reading): Confirm prior sale of city property in 4th Ward to Jones Place LLC and authorize mayor/city manager to execute deed to clear title — Motion approved, vote 6-0.

- Resolution: Designate funds from the fiscal stabilization fund to the Life & Health Fund (to stabilize the city's self-funded health plan cash reserve and repay interim borrowing) — Motion approved, vote 6-0. (Specific transfer amount not specified in the ordinance language read aloud at the meeting.)

- Appointment: Reappoint Brennan Williams as 5th Ward representative to the Planning Commission — Approved by acclamation.

Discussion and context

Finance staff framed the pension ordinances as the result of multi-party discussions with the pension boards and an actuary, stressing there would be no change to benefits for current participants and retirees. Ferguson said the plan aims to both stabilize fund status and "minimize the financial impact to the city." For the fire pension transition, Ferguson said the city plans a one-time transfer split 50/50 to police and fire pension accounts by June 30, 2025 so the state will apply credit toward future employer required payments.

On demolition, staff and the city attorney explained that building officials had issued demolition orders for structurally unsound, condemned properties whose owners did not comply; the city may demolish and place liens for costs.

The council's roll-call sequence and individual "yes" votes are recorded in the meeting transcript; no member voted against, abstained or recused on any listed final action.

Ending

Council moved on to other agenda items after the votes, including presentations and public comments. Several items adopted at the meeting will require administrative follow-up (deed execution, transfers into pension investment accounts, contract awards and lien filings) before their effects take place.