Harpers Ferry council adopts FY27 coal-severance revision and approves small funding allocations for training, landmarks and a chamber-music festival

The Harpers Ferry Town Council voted to adopt a fiscal-year 2027 coal-severance budget revision and approved several small allocations to support training, historic preservation and community arts.

Acting mayor read the resolution that revises the FY27 coal-severance levy estimate and directs the town’s budget to be revised prior to expenditures for which no appropriation exists. The resolution increases the coal-severance budget by $70 and reallocates funds to increase the fire department contribution by $840, with remaining needs to come from the town’s general fund; the adoption is subject to approval by the State Auditor.

Council also approved a motion to assign up to $750 to support 16 hours of continuing education for police officers, describing potential collaboration with nearby forces and expected expenses for instructors, hotel and per diem. Separately, the council voted to allocate up to $1,800 to the Historic Landmarks Commission for work related to vacant and blighted properties and up to $750 for editing services related to appendix A, each contingent on receipt of appropriate documentation such as detailed budgets or quotes. The council moved to distribute up to $3,500 from the arts and humanities fund to the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival upon receipt of documentation of planned expenditures.

All motions were approved by voice vote; councilors noted some items will be adjusted in the formal fiscal revision documents to be filed with the State Auditor.

Next steps: staff will prepare required documentation for the State Auditor, and departments and commissions will submit the supporting quotes and budgets required to trigger the conditional disbursements.