Huntington to centralize discretionary contributions; animal shelter to receive $200,000 in proposed FY26 budget

At the budget review, Mayor Farrell announced a tighter, more transparent process for discretionary contributions: all organizations seeking city funding must submit a contribution request form that will be posted on the city’s website and treated as public record.

"Everyone that gets a contribution is gonna fill out a form," the mayor said, adding that contractual obligations will be honored. As an example, he described the longstanding animal‑shelter agreement among Huntington, Cabell County and Wayne County (dating to 1979) and proposed $200,000 in the FY26 general‑fund budget to cover the city's share absent one‑time pandemic funds.

The mayor recited prior city contributions to the shelter in recent years and said the city requested the shelter provide operating expenses so the tripartite board can set next year’s budget. He encouraged the other two governments to match Huntington’s allocation so each would provide roughly a third of operating support.

Councilors raised practical concerns about timing and contract obligations: several asked whether previously approved allocations for current fiscal‑year programs (for example, a library information‑referral contract) had been paid and reminded the mayor that contract terms could require timely payment to avoid legal exposure. The mayor said he would review any council‑approved contracts and expects to make some disbursements as financial conditions allow.

The administration also announced the removal of the micro‑grant line and that small‑dollar requests (e.g., community events, youth programs) should use the new contribution form so requests are visible and weighed against other priorities.

Provenance: contributions discussion and animal shelter Q&A