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Elkins finance committee recommends lower outside contributions and moves to invoice‑based payments; EMS shortfall flagged
Summary
Council discussed the finance committee's recommendation to reduce outside contributions by roughly $60,000 compared with the current year and to shift from quarterly cash payments to paying invoices/reimbursements following the state auditor's recommendation; members also flagged a county EMS funding shortfall and transit‑matching considerations.
Council members reviewed the finance committee’s recommended outside contributions for FY2027 and discussed procedural and fiscal changes for partner organizations.
"The total funding recommended for these organizations this year, is about, 60 ish thousand less than they were awarded in the current year," a council member said, summarizing the committee report. Committee members noted the recommendation reflects the revenue envelope the treasurer provided to the finance committee.
City Treasurer Tracy Judy said the city will change how it pays partner organizations: instead of quarterly cash contributions, organizations will submit receipts for reimbursement or send invoices and the city will pay those bills directly. "We will be paying the bills," Judy said, adding the change followed a recommendation from the state auditor's office.
Members also discussed emergency‑service and service‑provider funding. Council members referenced reporting that Randolph County EMS faces a roughly $1,000,000 shortfall; the county is considering options such as an ambulance fee or an amusement tax to address the gap. Councilors also discussed County Roads Transit, noting local contributions are matched by federal grants (described by members as about 1:1), and that expanded hours or weekend service could be possible if funding is available.
Other outside contributions and operational items covered included airport authority insurance (the city is required to pay 50 percent of that cost in the budget line discussed), fireworks costs (noted as up in price), warming‑station funds carried over and fundraising/donations that supplemented operations, and the historic landmarks commission’s role in leveraging federal preservation grants.
Why it matters: the finance committee’s recommended cuts and the shift to invoice‑based payments change how community organizations will receive city funds and will require recipients to provide documentation. In addition, the EMS shortfall and transit‑matching rules highlight pressure on county and regional services that the city helps support.
Next steps: staff will relay updated vendor and pricing information and the full council will consider the budget, including recommended outside contributions, at its regular meeting next Thursday; no formal votes occurred at the work session.
