Ordinance committee tables business-license packet, refers B&O rate proposal to finance

Kevin, chair of the Charles Town Ordinance Committee, opened the committee at 6:01 p.m. and the group voted to table the business-license application packet for FY 2024 and refer the related business-and-occupation (B&O) tax proposal to the finance committee for further analysis and recommendation to council.

Stephanie, a city staff member who drafted the proposed changes, told the committee the central idea is to provide every business a $2,500 exemption or credit while raising the B&O rates to align more closely with other West Virginia municipalities. "So my idea was to give everyone a $2,500 credit per quarter or not per quarter, perhaps because we pay bimonially, and then raise the rates, to be more competitive with the rest of the state," she said.

The committee discussed process: Stephanie said any substantive rate or structure change would need finance committee input and likely counsel review before returning to council for referral to ordinance. A committee member moved to table the item and amend the motion to reference the B&O item, Stephanie seconded the motion, and the committee approved the table-and-refer action by voice vote.

Members said the referral will allow finance to evaluate revenue impacts and administrative burdens. Kevin said he will email Jeff (finance chair) to request the item be placed on the next finance agenda so staff and finance can develop recommended percentages and procedural language for council consideration.

Next steps: finance committee review, council referral as needed, and follow-up ordinance drafting and counsel review before further readings and any final vote by the full council.