All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Buckhannon’s sales tax bill heads to House floor

City attorney Tom O'Neill

CHARLESTON – A state Senate bill that would allow the City of Buckhannon to begin collecting municipal sales in July 2019 rather than in January 2020 has cleared another hurdle in the West Virginia Legislature.

City attorney Tom O’Neill told My Buckhannon Monday night that Senate Bill 535 – which would allow the city to begin collecting a 1 percent sales, service and use tax on products or goods sold within city limits six months sooner than anticipated – had been approved by the House of Delegates’ Finance Committee.

O’Neill said he’s optimistic about the bill’s chances of passing the House, which could happen late this week.

“I think it has a very good chance on the House floor and has drawn a great deal of support from the House leadership,” O’Neill said. “We are very grateful for the time and attention that both the House and Senate leadership have given this bill.”

The city attorney said he anticipates the first reading of the bill will occur either Tuesday or Wednesday, which should put it on track for possible passage Thursday or Friday.

Sen. Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur, collaborated with city officials on the initiative and ultimately sponsored the bill.

When implemented, the 1 percent sales tax is expected to reel in about $1 million annually in additional revenue, which city officials say is desperately needed to maintain and repair infrastructure; enhance parks and recreational opportunities; undertake much-needed storm sewer projects; and enhance/expand artistic and cultural opportunities for youth and adults in the Buckhannon-Upshur community.

Although city finance and administrative director Amberle Jenkins crafted Buckhannon’s general fund 2019-2020 fiscal year budget without the revenue that would be realized from imposition of the tax, city officials have been hoping the bill would fare well.

If passed, the legislation, which was sponsored by Sen. Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur, would mean an additional $500,000 could be factored into the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget.

When Buckhannon City Council passed the ordinance that implemented the tax last month, they were told by the W.Va. State Tax Commissioner’s Office that the city couldn’t begin collecting tax until Jan. 1, 2020 because 180 days must pass between the time the effectuating ordinance is approved and the date a municipality starts collecting the tax.

Moreover, the only two dates the state allows cities to begin collecting the tax is Jan. 1 and July 1, which meant the next feasible start date was Jan. 1, 2020.

City officials initially believed they could begin collecting the tax in July 2019, but a wrench was thrown into that plan when the W.Va. Municipal Home Rule Board – which must approve the tax as an amendment to the city’s Home Rule Plan – did not convene in October 2018 as planned.

Read more about why Buckhannon turned to Hamilton and the state Legislature for help here.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.