Charleston · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charleston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Vacant Ward 16 council seat
Charleston filled the Ward 18 council seat with Jessica Hudson, a Kanawha City resident with health care and finance experience. She was sworn in immediately and voted on the rest of the night's items.
New fire station alert system
Charleston's fire stations are getting a modern $236,172.75 alerting system that pushes alerts to firefighters' phones and auto-generates dispatch maps — upgrades city officials say should improve response times.
GoMart Ballpark condition assessment
The 21-year-old baseball stadium is getting a $55,000 professional checkup to figure out what needs repair now and over the next 20 years. This is the first step in planning the ballpark's future.
Cato Park and Kanawha City pool repairs
The city's aging pools at Cato Park and Kanawha City could get fixed or replaced with a $2.3 million federal grant — but only if the city matches every dollar. Council already set aside $1 million for the pool work earlier this year.
Charleston Police Department staffing and facilities
Councilwoman Snodgrass warned that Charleston police remain $5-$8 per hour behind neighboring agencies — a $10,000-$16,000 annual gap — as the department keeps losing officers, and said current incentive pay falls far short.
Mountaineer Food Bank takes over 748 Virginia Street West
The old Save-A-Lot bought with federal pandemic money will finally be put to use: Mountaineer Food Bank is taking ownership and turning it into a volunteer and distribution hub, its first physical Charleston location.
CDBG funds redirected to 915 Main Street demolition
Leftover federal block grant money from finished projects — Sojourner's roof and ADA curb cuts — is being pooled to demolish a vacant building at 915 Main Street with Fort City Charleston.
FY2027 General Fund Budget presentation
The city is rolling over $1.4 million in committed funds for purchases like police, fire, streets and parks vehicles that weren't delivered by fiscal year-end. It's mostly bookkeeping to keep the budget state-compliant.
West Side crosswalk safety
Councilwoman Faegre has waited two years for crosswalks at Washington Street/Park Avenue and Central Avenue/Park Avenue near West Side Middle School, and blames the state, not the city.
Police staffing shortfall
Councilwoman Kerns says the department is down 36 officers, with the city paying $5-6 an hour less than nearby agencies. She asked what happened to the proposed DROP retirement program meant to keep veteran officers on the force.
Data centers, street closures and East End renewal bills introduced
New bills would regulate where data centers can locate, adopt the East End Community Renewal Plan, add a stop at Venable and 44th, and require better notice when streets are closed off. All head to committee.
FY 2025-2026 General Fund Budget Amendment No. 7
The city is rolling over $1.4 million in committed funds for purchases like police, fire, streets and parks vehicles that weren't delivered by fiscal year-end. It's mostly bookkeeping to keep the budget state-compliant.
Copper and scrap-metal theft reporting requirements
Thieves are stripping copper wire, pipes, and HVAC units from vacant homes, rentals, and backyards across the city, and the Kanawha City recycling center may not be collecting seller ID and purchase details the way state law requires. The committee is exploring local ordinance options — detailed descriptions, holding periods, video surveillance — plus pushing the state for tighter rules.