St. Albans City Council Meeting – March 17, 2026

The St. Albans City Council met on March 17, 2026, for a regular session. The meeting included recognition of a school board candidate, approval of several consent items, a budget amendment to support part-time staffing at the Alban Arts Center, updates on annexation and a Vietnam Moving Wall event, and a lengthy discussion on police and fire department salary challenges. The council also approved payments, a truck lease, and the fiscal year 2027 budget after amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: Minutes from the March 2, 2026 City Council meeting were approved by unanimous vote.
• Invoice Payment: A motion to pay current invoices totaling $19,602.51 was approved unanimously.
• Truck Lease Purchase: A resolution for the lease purchase of a truck for the Parks Department was approved unanimously.
• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: The council approved the fiscal year 2027 general fund budget after an amendment (see Discussion Items). The final budget passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Arbogast (School Board Candidate): Mr. Arbogast, a current Kanawha County School Board member and retired educator with 40 years in Kanawha County schools, expressed his support for public education and his desire to serve. He highlighted his experience as a principal, athletic director, and SSAC board member. He noted that schools face challenges from school choice legislation and emphasized his ability to navigate those issues. Mayor James spoke in strong support, calling Arbogast a “common sense guy” with vast experience. Council members also expressed support.

Discussion Items

• Budget Amendment for Arts & Humanities: Councilman Rover proposed an amendment to add $15,000 to the Arts and Humanities salaries and wages line item (page 11, line 1906-1030), offset by subtracting the same amount from the city emergency fund (page 1, line 409-45965). The amendment stated that rental revenues from the Alban Arts Center (approximately $30,000–$40,000 annually) would repay the $15,000, making the amendment budget-neutral. The Finance Committee had been consulted. The amendment was seconded and approved unanimously. The full budget, as amended, was then passed.
• Police and Fire Department Salaries: Chief Bass and other council members discussed critical salary disparities. Chief Bass reported that starting police hourly wage is $12.16, 24.5% lower than the Kanawha Valley average, and that four officers had applied to the county and one sergeant to Hurricane PD. He noted that increasing city service fees by 15% had been hoped to fund salary enhancements but did not. He stated that fire department starting wage ($12.16) is far below Putnam County’s ($21.63), and that 25-year captains earn less than a beginning firefighter in Putnam. Several council members acknowledged the need for future rate increases, with Mayor James stating the city service fee ($360/year) is “the greatest deal in the United States” and will likely need to rise. Councilman Knight suggested consolidating the two fire stations as a cost-saving measure, but Chief Bass noted track crossings complicate a central location. Mayor James and others expressed support for annexation and business growth (e.g., Tractor Supply opening mid-summer) as long-term solutions.
• Annexation Update: Councilman Knight reported that the Sun Valley annexation list from the county assessor has been reviewed and sent to the attorney. Once approved, the city will begin a door‑knocking canvass to collect signatures. Mayor James added he will approach businesses along Jefferson Road for annexation, similar to Hurricane’s strategy. Some council members noted that annexation is often met with resistance from property owners.
• Vietnam Moving Wall Event: Councilman Knight announced that the Moving Wall (half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial) will be in St. Albans June 25–29, 2026, at the former Kmart property (Essential Grove Properties). It will be set up by motorcycle escort from Princeton, and will remain 24/7. Opening ceremony is June 27 (Saturday), closing June 29. Community donations are sought through the VFW. Tickets or donations can be made to the VFW.
• Spring Cleanup & Recycling: Public works announced spring cleanup dates (April 27 or May) and that P‑request forms must be submitted by April 1. The city is seeking ideas to promote recycling. A council member noted the Heads Up app no longer alerts users of updates; Mayor James will contact Butch (the app manager) to resolve this.
• Take-Home Police Cars: Chief Bass distributed a memo recommending retention of take-home cars, citing benefits for rapid emergency response, court appearances, and vehicle care. Council members voiced support, noting that officers cannot use cars for personal errands and that take-home cars increase visible police presence.

Key Outcomes

• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Approved: The budget, as amended to add $15,000 to Arts and Humanities salaries (offset from the emergency fund), passed unanimously.
• Lease Purchase of Parks Truck Approved: Unanimous.
• Invoice Payment Approved: $19,602.51, unanimous.
• Minutes Approved: Unanimous.
• Sun Valley Annexation Process Ongoing: Attorney review awaited; door‑knocking will follow approval.
• Moving Wall Event Scheduled: June 25–29, 2026 at Kmart property; opening ceremony June 27.
• Dog Bowl Fundraiser: Sunday, March 22 (this Sunday) from 1–7 p.m. at Town & Country; slots still available.
• Pub Crawl: March 28, 2026.
• Upcoming Meetings: MS4/MUC Board (March 17), Finance Committee (March 23), Public Works Committee (April 1), Parks Committee (April 2), City Council (April 6).
• No further public comment or old/new business: Meeting adjourned.