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NEWS BRIEFS
Insurance Federation lawsuit seeks end to home rule program
HUNTINGTON — The West Virginia Insurance Federation is contending in a lawsuit that a pilot program giving Huntington and three other cities home rule powers is unconstitutional and should be terminated.
The Insurance Federation filed the lawsuit against the city of Huntington on Wednesday in Cabell Circuit Court. The lawsuit was prompted by Wednesday’s enactment of a city ordinance that allows the city to withhold insurance claim proceeds from property owners if they don’t tear down their fire-damaged structures.
The ordinance, which was approved by Huntington City Council on Nov. 10, 2008, is part of the city’s home rule plan. The city also has authority under its plan to implement a land bank authority and a 1 percent occupation tax.
In May 2008, a state panel chose Huntington, Charleston, Bridgeport and Wheeling to participate in a five-year pilot program created by the Legislature. The intent of the program is to give cities more autonomy on taxation and administrative and personnel issues.
Chack back later for more details.
