Martinsburg to Hold Public Hearing on Home Rule

Martinsburg officials plan to gather input from residents and property owners on the city’s home rule application.
 
A public hearing is set for tomorrow night as part of a special City Council meeting.

The city’s application includes adopting a 1 percent sales tax that would raise an estimated $2.4 million in revenue. Business and occupation taxes would be reduced and a tariff on amusement businesses would be eliminated.
 
West Virginia’s Municipal Home Rule program shifts power from the state to the local level and gives municipalities a larger say in how they govern. It began as a five-year pilot program in four cities.
 
Last year, the Legislature expanded the program to allow a total 20 municipalities to participate.