Shepherdstown Council Tackles Budget, Infrastructure, and Community Projects

The Shepherdstown Town Council convened on March 11, 2026, to address a range of critical local issues, including the upcoming municipal election, the development of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, ongoing infrastructure improvements, and various community initiatives. Key discussions and decisions from the meeting will impact future town planning, public works, and civic engagement.

In preparation for the June 2, 2026, Municipal Election, Town Clerk Amy Boyd provided an update on logistical preparations, noting that the candidate filing period was set to conclude on March 13. The Town is also diligently working on its FY27 budget, with a state submission deadline of March 28. To facilitate this process, the Finance Committee was scheduled to meet on March 17, followed by a Town Council session on March 19 to finalize the budget for submission.

Significant progress is being made on infrastructure projects, including the Route 480 PATH Project, a multi-use pathway intended to connect Shepherdstown Middle School with Morgan’s Grove Park. The State’s deadline for receiving contractor bids for this project was March 12, and bids are currently under review by state officials. Additionally, the West Virginia Division of Highways is undertaking improvements at an intersection near Shepherd University on Duke Street, which will include the installation of an ADA-compliant curb cut.

The Town Council also addressed zoning matters during a joint workshop with the Planning Commission on March 16. This session focused on reviewing and discussing potential updates to the Town’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning ordinance. While the public was permitted to observe, seating was limited, and public comment was not part of the workshop’s agenda.

Community engagement and support for local organizations were also highlighted. Annette Gavin Bates presented an update on the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (JCCVB), which operates the local Visitor Center. Shepherdstown is projected to contribute approximately $162,000 in Hotel/Motel Tax revenue to the JCCVB for FY26. The Town also supports the JCCVB through a nominal $1-per-year lease for the use of the Market House building to house the Visitor Center. Event permits for the upcoming Shepherdstown May Day Celebration and Relay for Life activities were approved by the Council.

In an effort to enhance the Town’s visual appeal, a public design contest for new “Welcome to Shepherdstown” banners was authorized. Artists are invited to submit designs that capture the essence of the Town’s arts, culture, natural environment, and its character as a river town. Up to three winning artists will each receive a $300 honorarium, with a jury comprising local residents and Town Council members responsible for selecting the winning entries. The contest is slated to launch on March 13, with design submissions due by April 10 and winners announced on April 15.

The Town’s commitment to securing external funding was evident in the report from the Town Grants Committee. The committee is actively pursuing several grant applications, including funding for new sidewalks along German Street, a pilot food and yard waste composting program supported by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and a proposal for a public plaza near the south side of the Market House, for which an AARP grant application is being prepared.

Appointments to various town bodies were also confirmed. Terry Hadley was appointed to the Tree Commission, and Carolyn Rodis was reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Town is also considering a proposed donation of a used vehicle from the City of Martinsburg to support the Shepherdstown Police Department, with necessary documentation pending before it can be added to the Council’s agenda.

Reports from municipal departments provided insights into operational activities. The Public Works Department responded to several service calls in the preceding month, including four water leaks, one sewer backup, and 35 frozen meters. The cost for trash, recycling, and yard waste collection in December was reported at $3,800. The department has onboarded two new employees but continues to have two vacancies. The Police Department handled 20 service calls, 13 of which involved assisting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Notable incidents included an arrest stemming from an embezzlement complaint and a homicide investigation reported in the University Heights area.

Financially, the Town reported a revenue surplus of $174,300, with expenses coming in $127,500 under budget for the period. Shepherdstown Town Council meetings are held monthly on the second Wednesday and are accessible both in person and via Zoom, encouraging resident participation.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Shepherdstown West Virginia

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