Goodwin Offers Support to Governor Jim Justice in Creating Plan to Help Municipalities Throughout the State

Today, Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin sent a letter to Governor Jim Justice to offer support in creating a workable solution to help stabilize the economies of municipalities throughout the state. Currently, municipalities can be reimbursed for expenses directly related to COVID-19 but cannot be reimbursed for expected revenues lost due to the economic impact of the virus.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created major shortfalls in budgets of municipalities throughout the country, and Charleston is no different,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “As the Mayor of the Capital City and the largest City in the State, I am offering my support in finding a solution to this issue so many are faced with.”

Goodwin also offered a snapshot into City finances within the letter, stating that the negative effects on the City’s revenue collections for the remainder of the fiscal year will be at least $3 million. This represents a 13% decline in revenue for the 4th quarter of FY2020. Currently, the City of Charleston is projecting a $2 million budget deficit by June 30. Revenues are expected to be worse in the first quarter of FY2021, easily exceeding $4 million and possibly reaching $8 million.

“Governor Justice has shown tremendous leadership throughout this pandemic and I am hopeful that we can work together to help municipalities throughout our great State,” said Mayor Goodwin.