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WEIRTON -- Weirton Council, during its meeting Monday, took a step toward providing some temporary tax relief for the city's business community, in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance providing a one-time, 10 percent credit on what businesses owe on the city's Business and Occupation tax for the third and fourth quarters of the current fiscal year.
The move for a credit, which would be applied to a business' B&O tax billing, came about following a suggestion in February from Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh, who asked if it would be possible to offer exemptions to the B&O for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which begins July 1.
City Manager Joe DiBartolomeo, though, explained Weirton already offers exemptions on its B&O, with the tax assessed only after a business reaches a certain threshold of revenue each quarter.
Earlier in Monday's meeting, during the Citizens' Comments portion, council heard from Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce President Brenda Mull, who expressed appreciation for the gesture.
"The B&O tax is a regressive tax," she said. "It's not something the businesses like having."
Council also heard from resident Jim McHenry, who encouraged officials to find additional ways to provide relief for the community.
"Some of these people are down and out," he said. "I know there are a lot of things you can spend money on, but the citizens should be number one."
Marsh noted the city had looked at other options, but officials felt the credit was the only avenue available for the time being.
"That's all we can do at this point," Marsh said.
As an ordinance, the proposal must go through one more reading from council before going into effect.