City Council Approves Amendment To The Ordinance Regarding Transfer Station Rates

By Marija Ilic

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, City of Philippi Council held a public hearing and subsequently approved an ordinance amending certain sections of part nine, chapter five of the city of Philippi's streets, utilities and public services code relating to transfer station rates.

On March 18, 2024, the City of Philippi filed with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (Commission) a Rule 19A application seeking an increase of its rates to dispose of solid waste at its transfer station. On July 2, 2024, the Staff of the Commission filed a Memorandum setting forth increased rates for the City and recommended approval of such rates without hearing, subject to proper notification and limited public protest. Pursuant to Commission Order entered July 16, 2024, corrected by Order entered July 25, 2024, the City published notice of the Staff-recommended increased rates and notice of the opportunity for the public to file a protest within 20 days of the publication in 14 counties comprising its watershed. No protest to the Staff-recommended increased rates was received and by Order entered September 27, 2024, the Commission approved the Staff-recommended increased rates to become effective on and after the date the Order became final. The Order became final on October 8, 2024.

In addition to the amendment of the ordinance, Council also approved spending resolution for the remainder of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. Total of $310,000 will be used for the electric fund and sewer fund for the remainder of the year, as well as for purchase of new body cameras and tasers for the Police Department. Some of the previous ARPA funds have been used in order to minimize the increase in the electric rates for the customers.

Chief of Police Miller reported on a potential new hire, James Lance, who has passed written and physical test, and is slated to attend West Virginia Police Academy during its next term. Lance would make a second hire in the last two months, bringing the total number of police officers to five.

No report was given by the City Manager, and the council went into executive session to discuss potential sale of some of the City property.

Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, at 5 p.m., at Philippi City Hall.