WEIRTON — After a similar resolution failed earlier this year, Weirton officials are making a renewed effort to increase the spending limit placed on the city manager.

As part their meeting Monday, members of Weirton Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance “To amend limit on expenditures by Weirton’s city manager.”

Sponsored by Ward 6 Councilman Anthony Rocchio, the proposed ordinance, if finalized, would increase the spending limit of the office from its current $3,500 to $10,000.

No comments were offered during Monday’s meeting, but Rocchio addressed the issue as part of last week’s city Finance Committee meeting, during which the ordinance was recommended.

“I just think $3,500 isn’t enough,” Rocchio said.

Initially, the proposal would have increased the limit to $8,500, but Ward 4 Councilman Rick Stead, during the Finance Committee meeting, recommended raising it to $10,000, citing concerns with increasing costs.

“Prices are getting crazy,” Adams said Friday. “We need to be able to take care of things.”

Public Works Director Allen Hess noted, as an example, the purchase of two tires for a city garbage truck can cost around $3,000.

“Every time something breaks down, it’s $8,000 or $10,000,” Hess said.

This is the second time this year council has considered a proposal to increase the city manager’s spending limit.

A previous ordinance, presented by Mayor Dean Harris, would have increased the limit from its current $3,500 limit to $15,000.

On its first reading in May, that proposal received a 4-3 vote in favor; however, the second reading, held in June, was voted down by a vote of two in favor and five against.

Officials previously noted the first spending limit enacted for the city manager was set at $500.

This was adjusted in 2003, when the limit was increased to $1,500, and again in 2013 when it was set at $3,500.

In 2019, another ordinance was passed, maintaining the spending authority at $3,500 but adding consent by Weirton Council as well as a review by the city attorney on all contracts before the city manager can execute them.

The ordinance must pass a second reading before going into effect.