The Shepherdstown Town Council met on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to review ongoing projects, municipal planning efforts, and community initiatives. The meeting included updates on the upcoming municipal election, development of the Town’s FY27 budget, infrastructure projects, and several committee and staff reports.

Key Updates

• Municipal Election Planning
 
 Town Clerk Amy Boyd reported on preparations for the June 2, 2026, Municipal Election, noting that the candidate filing period closes on Friday, March 13.

• FY27 Budget Development
 
The Town continues work on its FY27 budget, which must be submitted to the State by March 28. The Finance Committee will meet at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, followed by a Town Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, to finalize the budget prior to submission.

• Route 480 PATH Project
 
The State’s deadline for contractor bids for the multi-use pathway connecting Shepherdstown Middle School to Morgan’s Grove Park was March 12. Several bids have reportedly been received and are now under review by the State.

• PUD Ordinance Workshop
 
Town Council and the Planning Commission will participate in a joint workshop on Monday, March 16, at 6:45 p.m., to review and discuss possible updates to the Town’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning ordinance. The session is intended as an educational workshop for members of both bodies. The public may observe the meeting, though seating will be limited, and public comment will not be taken during the workshop.

• Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau Update
 
Annette Gavin Bates provided a briefing on the work of the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau (JCCVB), which operates the Visitor Center located in the Shepherdstown Market House. In FY26, Shepherdstown will contribute an estimated $162,000 in Hotel/Motel Tax revenue support to the JCCVB. The Town also provides the JCVVB use of the Market House building for the Visitor Center under a $1-per-year lease arrangement.

• Event Permits Approved
 
 Town Council approved event permits for the upcoming Shepherdstown May Day Celebration and Relay for Life activities.

• Intersection Improvements Near Shepherd University
 
The Town Administrator reported that the West Virginia Division of Highways is making improvements to an intersection crossing Duke Street near Shepherd University, including installation of an ADA-compliant curb cut.

• Board and Commission Appointments
 
 Town Council approved the appointment of Terry Hadley to the Tree Commission and voted to reappoint Carolyn Rodis to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

• “Welcome to Shepherdstown” Banner Design Contest
 
Town Council approved a resolution authorizing a public design contest for new “Welcome to Shepherdstown” banners. Artists will be invited to submit banner designs that reflect the Town’s arts, culture, environmental features, and river-town character. Up to three winning artists will receive a $300 honorarium, with submissions reviewed by a small jury of local residents and Town Council members. The contest is expected to open March 13, with submissions due April 10, and winning designs announced April 15.

• Grant Activity
 
 The Town Grants Committee reported that it is currently working on several funding applications, including:
 – Congressionally Directed Funding for new sidewalks along German Street
 – A Chesapeake Bay Foundation grant to support a pilot food and yard waste composting program
 – An AARP grant application for a pilot public plaza concept near the south side of the Market House

• Police Department Vehicle Donation
 
Town officials are reviewing a proposed donation of a used vehicle from the City of Martinsburg for use by the Shepherdstown Police Department. The matter will be added to the next Town Council agenda once the required donation documentation is complete.

Staff Reports

Public Works Department
 
Public Works Director Woody Coe reported that staff responded during the previous month to four water leaks, one sewer backup, and 35 frozen meters. The total cost for trash, recycling, and yard waste collection during December was $3,800. The department has made two new hires but still has two vacancies.

Police Department
 
Chief Mike King reported 20 police service calls, including 13 assists to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Notable incidents included an embezzlement complaint that resulted in an arrest and a shooting homicide reported at University Heights.

Financial Report

Director of Finance Maged Kirollos reported a revenue surplus of $174,300 and expenses under budget by $127,500.

Public Participation

Shepherdstown Town Council meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month and are open to the public both in-person and via Zoom. Residents are encouraged to attend and stay engaged in local government.

The Town also relies on volunteers to serve on boards, commissions, and committees throughout the year. Residents interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact the Town Clerk at clerk@shepherdstown.us or call 304-876-2312 for more information.