CHARLESTON CITY COUNCIL PASSES FY2026 BUDGET
(Charleston, W. Va.) – The City of Charleston FY2026 budget, presented by Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and Finance Director Andy Wood during the March 3 Finance Committee meeting, was approved during tonight’s Charleston City Council meeting. This budget will go into effect July 1, 2025.
“This has been the most challenging budget we’ve had to put together, and we approached it with a careful, line-by-line review of every department’s needs. Everything is more expensive than it was six years ago—materials, equipment, and especially insurance,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “This budget makes smart, responsible investments—balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s opportunities. It ensures the continuation of robust city services, maintains a strong paving cycle and demolition program, prioritizes public safety, and invests in the spaces and places where our families play—all without proposing any new or increased taxes or fees. This budget also reflects our continued commitment to the people who serve Charleston every day – our City Team.”
The City’s FY2026 Budget:
- Maintains all critical City services and operations.
- Does not include any new taxes or fees or increases to taxes or fees.
- Maintains funding for paving ($3M for the 6th year in a row), and demolitions ($500k).
- Continues plan to achieve a $15 per hour starting wage—with a goal of full implementation in FY 2027.
- Includes a $1,040 across the board raise for all full-time employees ($0.50/hour).
- Continues the expansion of the Charleston Police Department take-home car program.
- Maintains active employee PEIA benefit offerings at 80 (city share)/20 (employee share).
- FY2026 Budget includes estimated 16% PEIA rate increase ($1.5M total cost).
- FY2026 Budget includes 40% increase to HSA contributions (covered by city) for Plan C members.
- Continues the fleet rotation schedule – including: 2 ambulances (fire), 12 patrol SUVs (police), pumper truck (street), 5 dump trucks (street), 3 packer trucks (refuse), 1 van (P&R), 3 trucks (P&R), mowing equipment – including Cato Golf Course (P&R) – among other purchases totaling $6.3M.
