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Council approves grant-supported allocation to Eastern Roller Mill after debate; Mark Downs votes no
Summary
Morgantown City Council approved a fiscal-year capital escrow fund revision that allocates grant and other revenue toward the Eastern Roller Mill project, passing 6–1 after councilors pressed for annexation plans and long‑term cost visibility.
Morgantown City Council voted 6–1 on April 21 to approve Capital Escrow Fund revision number 6, a package of six budget changes that directs several grants and revenue sources toward the Eastern Roller Mill project.
The revision, presented by Finance Director John Ferguson, bundled federal CDBG revenue for the Green Moth project, HUD grant revenue for a land purchase, a local economic development assistance grant, a West Virginia Cultural Facilities Fast Track grant, a contribution from the arts and culture development fund, and a right-of-way encroachment license fee. Ferguson said the capital escrow revision brings grant revenue into the fund and allocates an expenditure to the Eastern Roller Mill capital work.
“This is some of the grant funding that is going towards the funding of that bid,” Ferguson said, describing the revision as a mechanism to move received grant revenue into the escrow account and allocate it for the roller mill’s construction-related work including the deck and parking lot.
Council discussion focused on whether the city has sufficient visibility into long-term operating costs and how the property’s location outside current city limits affects ownership responsibilities. Mayor Danielle Trumbull urged staff to continue exploring annexation as an option to bring the property within city limits, saying ownership commits the city to use and care for the asset.
Councilor Mark Downs opposed the measure, saying he lacked insight into a viable plan and worried the property could become “another money pit.” “So, without that insight and visibility, I just I just won't support it,” Downs said.
Other councilors supported the allocation because it is funded by grants. A councilor who identified historic preservation as a priority said the grant funding reduced his hesitation and urged continued communication about plans and long‑term costs.
The resolution was approved by roll call with the following votes recorded: Joe Buganum — yes; Jody Hollingshead — yes; Wheezy Michael — yes; Jenny Celine — yes; Mark Downs — no; Deputy Mayor Butcher — yes; Mayor Danielle Trumbull — yes. The motion passed 6–1.
Next steps: Council did not adopt a specific reuse plan at the meeting; several members requested that staff return with additional detail on long‑term costs, plans for annexation, and the intended uses that would make the property financially sustainable.
