The city of Huntington, W.Va. is undergoing some changes this year. The projected budget for 2010 has increased expenditures as well as revenue. However, Mayor Kim Wolfe predicts a possible 10 percent decrease in revenues, as he stated in his State of the City address Feb. 13, 2010.
The budget for 2009 listed expenditures as $38,919,497, while the 2010 budget estimates expenditures at $42,135,417, a difference of $3,215,920.
The revenue differences were similar, with 2009 showing $39,990,304 and the 2010 estimates revenues at $42,135,417,with a difference of $2,145,113.
The biggest increase in expenses was in the insurance programs, the police department, the fire department and streets. The insurance programs increased by $584,028. The police and fire departments increased more than $681,000 and $306,000, respectively. The streets department increased by more than $662,000.
The biggest revenue increase was in in the Business & Occupation tax, with an increase of more than $467,000 and in the city service fee, with an increase of $1,350,000.
The city service fee, also known as the user fee, was increased in April 2009 up to $3 per indiviudual working inside the Huntington city limits. This fee change comprised nearly 63 percent of the budget increase.
Huntington's financial picture is not a pretty one at this point, and as Wolfe pointed out in the State of the City address, it could result in a reduction of office staff in the police department, forcing officers to cover that themselves. Other city workers will be affected as well, with layoffs of employees and open positions because of retirement left open.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
State of Huntington
Mayor Kim Wolfe was forthright with the city of Huntington when he gave the annual State of the City address Feb. 13, 2010, in the hallway of City Hall. Wolfe shared positive things that have happened over the past year, like improvements made in the area, as well as the difficult financial times the city is in now and facing this coming year.
Wolfe had an audience of about 75 people, including protesters who came in from outside to hear his address. He gave those in attendance some uplifting reminders of the good that has came out of the past year, like the benefits of the user fee increase. Wolfe said the fee increase has allowed the employment of six additional police officers, more paving of streets and roadways, and equipment for the city. Wolfe also said emblems and signs were purchased to credit those improvements to the user fee. He spoke highly of Jamie Oliver's positive effect on the city, mentioning the cooking class that is now available in Huntington. Wolfe praised the Create Huntington organization and credited it with fueling volunteerism. He shared the Weed and Seed program's success of helping get a 13.5 percent increase in drug arrests.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Barboursville Democrats give more to candiate
The political donations given by Huntington and Barboursville residents for the 2008 presidential elections were similar for both democrats and republicans by area and by party, except for the democratic contributors in Barboursville, W.Va.
Huntington had a total of $84,220 in contributions for the election, with $36,155 given by the republican contributors and $48,065 given by democratic contributors. Individual gifts from Huntington republicans totaled 56, with an average of about $646. Individual democratic givers totaled 67, with an average of about $717.
Barboursville presidential election gifts totaled $26,534. Of that, democrats gave $21,087, while $5447came from republicans. The number of gifts in Barboursville totaled 19, with 12 of those being from democrats and seven being from republicans. Gifts from Barboursville republicans averaged $778, while the individual gifts from democrats averaged $1,426.
The bulk of the Barboursville democratic gifts came in the form of several large donations for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Clinton supporters from Barboursville gave $19,125 out of the $21,087. This came in the form of just seven out of the 12 gifts. President Barack Obama received the rest of the support, with a total of $1,987.
The Barboursville republican givers were similar in their support. Six of the seven republican gifts were for Sen. John McCain, totaling $3,947, while a single gift of $1,500 was for Gov. Mike Huckabee.
In Huntington, the gifts of support were more varied. There were 38 gifts given in support of McCain totaling $29,273 of the $36,155, with the remainder divided among three other candidates. The support for Clinton not as clear in Huntington, with 30 gifts totaling $28,285. The support for Obama totaled $19789, given by 31 individual donations.
The support from Huntington and Barboursville matched the voting, with Clinton and McCain winning the West Virginia primary elections in 2008.
*The information from this report was obtained from the Web site www.fundrace.Huffingtonpost.com.
Huntington had a total of $84,220 in contributions for the election, with $36,155 given by the republican contributors and $48,065 given by democratic contributors. Individual gifts from Huntington republicans totaled 56, with an average of about $646. Individual democratic givers totaled 67, with an average of about $717.
Barboursville presidential election gifts totaled $26,534. Of that, democrats gave $21,087, while $5447came from republicans. The number of gifts in Barboursville totaled 19, with 12 of those being from democrats and seven being from republicans. Gifts from Barboursville republicans averaged $778, while the individual gifts from democrats averaged $1,426.
The bulk of the Barboursville democratic gifts came in the form of several large donations for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Clinton supporters from Barboursville gave $19,125 out of the $21,087. This came in the form of just seven out of the 12 gifts. President Barack Obama received the rest of the support, with a total of $1,987.
The Barboursville republican givers were similar in their support. Six of the seven republican gifts were for Sen. John McCain, totaling $3,947, while a single gift of $1,500 was for Gov. Mike Huckabee.
In Huntington, the gifts of support were more varied. There were 38 gifts given in support of McCain totaling $29,273 of the $36,155, with the remainder divided among three other candidates. The support for Clinton not as clear in Huntington, with 30 gifts totaling $28,285. The support for Obama totaled $19789, given by 31 individual donations.
The support from Huntington and Barboursville matched the voting, with Clinton and McCain winning the West Virginia primary elections in 2008.
*The information from this report was obtained from the Web site www.fundrace.Huffingtonpost.com.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Update from Barboursville City Council meeting
Barboursville received approval of grant money to improve recycling, soccer fields, football and little league, as reported in the city council meeting Tuesday evening. The grants were the focus of the meeting, and all council members voted in favor of accepting the grant money.
The money is coming from a Community Participation Grant, and is to be dispersed in four categories: the Barboursville Recycling Program, the soccer fields, the Barboursville Little League, and the Barboursville Football League. The recycling program will receive a grant of $9,000 and the soccer fields will be getting $5,000. The Little League organization will have $8,000, and the Barboursville Football league is getting $4,500. Chris Tatum, council member, reminded the board to thank the legislators.
A community rummage sale was also voted on and received a unanimous approval. The rummage sale was the idea of a Marshall student, Brandon Watts, sophomore Parks & Recreation Management major, who came up with it as a class project. Watts will be the organizer of the event and will be responsible for getting the word out to the people. The sale is to be on the corner of Main Street and Depot Street.
Time was spent discussing the great job Barboursville has been reported as doing in keeping the roads drivable in the snow. Steve Parsons is the Public Works Director, but was not present at the meeting. He was commended on the work they have done in salting the roads. Kandy Miller, recorder, said there have been many phone calls coming in, thanking Barboursville for doing such a great job.
Citizen John Harris was at the meeting with concerns over what he had heard were plans to straighten out an "S" curve on Greenwood Way. Harris said this curve keeps speeding down and that it is important to keep it. Harris had a petition from the neighbors with him. Mayor Paul Turman was very clear that there has never been intentions of straightening out the curve.
Herb Johnson was at the meeting as well, and said he plans on running for Cabell County Commissioner and just wanted to meet people and see if there is anything people need.
All seven members of council were present: Dick Spencer, Chris Tatum, Orman Hall, Kandy Miller, Paul Turman, Sr., Paul Hockenberry and Donnie Plyban. The meeting was at the Barboursville Community Center beginning at 7:30p.m.
The money is coming from a Community Participation Grant, and is to be dispersed in four categories: the Barboursville Recycling Program, the soccer fields, the Barboursville Little League, and the Barboursville Football League. The recycling program will receive a grant of $9,000 and the soccer fields will be getting $5,000. The Little League organization will have $8,000, and the Barboursville Football league is getting $4,500. Chris Tatum, council member, reminded the board to thank the legislators.
A community rummage sale was also voted on and received a unanimous approval. The rummage sale was the idea of a Marshall student, Brandon Watts, sophomore Parks & Recreation Management major, who came up with it as a class project. Watts will be the organizer of the event and will be responsible for getting the word out to the people. The sale is to be on the corner of Main Street and Depot Street.
Time was spent discussing the great job Barboursville has been reported as doing in keeping the roads drivable in the snow. Steve Parsons is the Public Works Director, but was not present at the meeting. He was commended on the work they have done in salting the roads. Kandy Miller, recorder, said there have been many phone calls coming in, thanking Barboursville for doing such a great job.
Citizen John Harris was at the meeting with concerns over what he had heard were plans to straighten out an "S" curve on Greenwood Way. Harris said this curve keeps speeding down and that it is important to keep it. Harris had a petition from the neighbors with him. Mayor Paul Turman was very clear that there has never been intentions of straightening out the curve.
Herb Johnson was at the meeting as well, and said he plans on running for Cabell County Commissioner and just wanted to meet people and see if there is anything people need.
All seven members of council were present: Dick Spencer, Chris Tatum, Orman Hall, Kandy Miller, Paul Turman, Sr., Paul Hockenberry and Donnie Plyban. The meeting was at the Barboursville Community Center beginning at 7:30p.m.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
State of the City address
Mayor Kim Wolfe was forthright Saturday afternoon with the city of Huntington when giving the annual State of the City address in the hallway of City Hall. Wolfe shared positive things that have happened over the past year, like improvements made in the area, as well as the difficult financial times the city is in now and facing this coming year.
Wolfe had an audience of about 75 people, including protesters who came in from outside to hear his address. He gave those in attendance some uplifting reminders of the good that has came out of the past year, like the benefits of the user fee increase. Wolfe said the fee increase has allowed the employment of six additional police officers, more paving of streets and roadways, and equipment for the city. Wolfe also said emblems and signs were purchased to credit those improvements to the user fee. He spoke highly of Jamie Oliver's positive effect on the city, mentioning the cooking class that is now available in Huntington. Wolfe praised the Create Huntington organization and credited it with fueling volunteerism. He shared the Weed and Seed program's success of helping get a 13.5 percent increase in drug arrests.
Wolfe shared plans for the future including developing park growth, improving shelters and playgrounds, additional trees and making the park more easily accessible. He mentioned the problem of burned down structures in the neighborhoods and his intentions to get those taken care of. Wolfe also said the city of Huntington's Web site, http://www.cityofhuntington.com/, has now changed, including a citizen support center system for questions and requests.
The difficulties Huntington faces are in finances. Wolfe noted a possible 10 percent reduction in revenues this year. He stated the city isn't looking for a short-term solution in financial difficulties. He noted a possible 20-day furlough for city employees, lay-offs of some employees, and not filling positions that are opened due to retirement until the city sees better a financial position.
Huntington's financial situation seems grim, and Wolfe wasn't bashful about sharing it.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Investigative Story Proposal
This is a sample letter to an editor for an investigative story idea, as we were assigned to do in class.
To: Editor
From: Jennifer Chapman
Re: Story Outline: Shady business at the Body Shop
Subject: Body shop accused of substituting used parts when insurance companies are paying for new parts
Scope: We will research the quality of work that the insurance company is paying for versus what they are getting from the body shop. The concern is that a particular body shop is using used parts after the insurance company has paid for new parts to make more money.
Need: Insurance companies are allegedly being scammed by the body shop, while the body shop is making money it doesn’t deserve. This could be happening to individuals as well.
Methods: We can interview former customers and former employees. We can also send in a wrecked car to be fixed, and have a professional inspect it afterward to see if it is a new or used part that is used.
Sources: We can interview former employees, former customers and insurance companies and get information from personal experience if we choose to test them by having a car repaired there. We will also interview the owner of the body shop and have him respond to what we found.
Presentation: This is likely to be a story that could be ran in just one day.
Follow-up: If the body shop is found to be involved in wrongdoing, it is likely that they would face fines and lose credibility with the insurance companies. A story on the aftermath on the body shop would be needed.
To: Editor
From: Jennifer Chapman
Re: Story Outline: Shady business at the Body Shop
Subject: Body shop accused of substituting used parts when insurance companies are paying for new parts
Scope: We will research the quality of work that the insurance company is paying for versus what they are getting from the body shop. The concern is that a particular body shop is using used parts after the insurance company has paid for new parts to make more money.
Need: Insurance companies are allegedly being scammed by the body shop, while the body shop is making money it doesn’t deserve. This could be happening to individuals as well.
Methods: We can interview former customers and former employees. We can also send in a wrecked car to be fixed, and have a professional inspect it afterward to see if it is a new or used part that is used.
Sources: We can interview former employees, former customers and insurance companies and get information from personal experience if we choose to test them by having a car repaired there. We will also interview the owner of the body shop and have him respond to what we found.
Presentation: This is likely to be a story that could be ran in just one day.
Follow-up: If the body shop is found to be involved in wrongdoing, it is likely that they would face fines and lose credibility with the insurance companies. A story on the aftermath on the body shop would be needed.
Investigative report
The Web site California Watch reported an article questioning the money a company from Alaska received from the federal stimulus plan.
Suulutaaq is a construction company started by Alaska natives, and is now ran by Samuel Boyle who used to run a dot-com company that went bankrupt.
The company received a $54 million project paid by the stimulus package which was designed to create jobs. So far, this project has created 12 jobs.
This is an investigative article because it looks for details that are not normally asked. Why this company was chosen is the real issue.
The target of the investigation was given a chance to respond in the eleventh and twelfth paragraphs, where the company and Boyle both declined comments and interviews.
The reporter refers to a document, saying, "According to a report submitted..."
No graphics or pictures were used in this article.
People who were not in favor of the stimulus plan will be interested in this story, as well as people who have an interest in politics and finance.
No harsh headline words were used.
It is not clear where the story idea came from, but it is likely it was either a tip or maybe a project idea after a list of recipients of the stimulus package was published.
Suulutaaq is a construction company started by Alaska natives, and is now ran by Samuel Boyle who used to run a dot-com company that went bankrupt.
The company received a $54 million project paid by the stimulus package which was designed to create jobs. So far, this project has created 12 jobs.
This is an investigative article because it looks for details that are not normally asked. Why this company was chosen is the real issue.
The target of the investigation was given a chance to respond in the eleventh and twelfth paragraphs, where the company and Boyle both declined comments and interviews.
The reporter refers to a document, saying, "According to a report submitted..."
No graphics or pictures were used in this article.
People who were not in favor of the stimulus plan will be interested in this story, as well as people who have an interest in politics and finance.
No harsh headline words were used.
It is not clear where the story idea came from, but it is likely it was either a tip or maybe a project idea after a list of recipients of the stimulus package was published.
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