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Huntington council approves $87 million budget after contested vote, restores small microgrants program
Summary
After a disputed voice vote and a brief recess, the Huntington City Council approved an $87 million FY2026–27 budget March 9 and passed an $11,000 amendment to restore council microgrants (roughly $1,000 per member). The meeting included public comment supporting library funding and procedural questions about counted votes.
The Huntington City Council approved an $87,000,000 fiscal year 2026–27 budget on March 9 after a contested voice vote, a short recess to clarify procedure, and a subsequent roll-call that confirmed the measure as amended.
Mayor Farrell, who led the budget presentation, said the proposal “is a $87,000,000 budget that's essentially the same as last year,” adding it balances revenues and expenses with no new taxes or fees and emphasizes public safety, infrastructure and economic growth. He told council the city has prioritized transparency, citing use of the state Open Checkbook to show spending.
The most disputed item on the floor was an amendment offered by Council member Sally Layman to reallocate $11,000 from the economic development contribution line to create a council-controlled microgrants pool (roughly $1,000 per council member) and direct a subcommittee to design a simplified application form.…
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