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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The City of Huntington is offering an amnesty period for waiving penalties that have accrued on delinquent municipal service and refuse fees.
The program, in its third year and runs through June 30.
“This is an opportunity to pay back without penalty. No questions, no judgement, no penalties,” Kathy Burks, the Director of Finance for the city told MetroNews.
According to the city, the amnesty period only applies to owner-occupied properties and has no effect on principal and interest owed, per IRS rules and regulations. Property owners also must pay the principal amount owed in full to have penalties waived.
“The municipal service fee is the fire fees. It’s a calculation that involves the square footage of the structure. The refuse fee is for the sanitation, trash and beautification of the city,” Burks said.
When the program was launched in 2020, 44 households paid fees and the city collected $102,434. Over $178,000 was collected by the city in 2021 as 79 households paid fees.
Burks said six families have already came into City Hall and used this program. She said anyone interested in paying back to go to Room 19 at City Hall or contact Laura Armstrong at [email protected] or 304-696-5540, Ext. 2306.