A bill granting the Raleigh County Commission authority to impose a special excise tax for economic development has officially become law, passing the House of Delegates 82-10 and following a narrow 19-15 vote in the West Virginia Senate.
The proposed legislation authorizes the Raleigh County Commission to levy a special district excise tax to benefit the Raleigh County Economic Opportunity Development District, which would encompass approximately 1,600 acres of land. This tax will be used to fund infrastructure and other improvements designed to attract businesses and stimulate economic growth in the district.
Despite being sponsored by a Republican delegate, the bill met resistance from several conservative senators, who argued it opens the door to tax increases and potential government overreach. Others voiced concern that while the district may stimulate development, it could also create disparities in tax burdens and favor politically connected projects.
