HUNTINGTON — The Huntington City Council is scheduled to vote on the introduction of two ordinances that aim to reward new business owners for setting up shop in city limits.
Councilman P.D. Adkins is sponsoring two ordinances that aim to bring more businesses into Huntington with the aid of tax incentives. The ordinances grant business and occupation tax incentives to retail, manufacturing and service-based businesses, businesses with “back-office” operations and businesses that request to be annexed into the city.
One ordinance would allow businesses to receive a 50 percent tax reduction on their B&O taxes for the first two years. Another would give businesses back their 2 percent B&O tax in five years if they are in good standing with the city, have paid their municipal fees and are attempting to generate revenue.
“We have to stop people from leaving Huntington and start finding ways to get people to settle down and build in Huntington,” Adkins said.
The council meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 800 5th Ave. It is televised live on channel 24 of the Comcast Cable system. Here's a look at other items on the agenda:
MUNICIPAL SERVICE FEES: Adkins is also introducing an ordinance that will give people a $24 discount on their municipal fees when they pay their yearly fees in full. This, Adkins said, will give people a little something back for being a “good citizen.”
SECURITY CAMERAS: The council will discuss the second reading of an ordinance purchasing surveillance cameras for Harris Riverfront Park, the Big Sandy Superstore Arena and the municipal parking garage at 3rd Avenue and 8th Street.
The $158,800 contract would be awarded to McDaniel Electric of Huntington. The funds would come from the Community Development Block Grant budget, arena and Municipal Parking Board budgets.
RECOGNITION:The mayor and council are also expected to pass resolutions recognizing the service of municipal workers Darrell Chandler and John Basham, retired sanitation truck driver.
GRANTS: The mayor is also slated to accept one and apply for three Local Economic Development Assistance grants on behalf of several local organizations. The Museum of Radio and Technology applied and received a grant while the Junior League of Huntington, the Guyandotte Civil War Days and the Huntington Museum of Art have separately applied for the grant.
The purpose of the LEDA grant is to enhance the capacity of local economic development organizations to undertake economic development activities. Previously, grants have been awarded for site renovations.
7-day Archive
