Falling Tax Revenue Causes Deficit in Kanawha County

Officials say West Virginia’s most populated county faces a $600,000 deficit in part because it’s bringing in less personal property tax revenue.

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper tells the Charleston Gazette-Mail that the deficit likely won’t impact residents just yet. He says the commission will work to cut its budget and put a hold on raises for employees.

Allen Bleigh, chief tax deputy for the Kanawha County Commission, said the struggling coal industry is partially to blame for the county’s financial woes. Some coal companies have filed for bankruptcy and aren’t paying taxes they have in the past.

Officials warn that community projects might take a hit as the county attempts to preserve its funds for emergency services.