Faculty Senate Meeting. 3/14

The Marshall University Faculty Senate meeting focused heavily on the annual budget report. A large part of the report, delivered by university President Stephen J. Kopp, focused on employee salaries and how they compare to other universities and budget cuts.

Kopp said during his presentation that more professors have full professor rank at Marshall University than any other South Regional Education Board Accounted universities — 46 percent more.

62 percent of university funds are dedicated to faculty salaries.

The next subject discussed at the meeting was upcoming statewide budget cuts. Marshall will face an 8.9 percent cut. Kopp said the easiest way to make up the loss is to raise tuition. Future students will pay about $730 more a semester.

Kopp said another possible solution is to impose a statewide “pop tax.” A similar tax is already in effect, with a 1 percent tax increase in order to fund the medical school at West Virginia University.

City Council Meeting. 3/25

The Huntington City Council has said July 1 will begin the cleanup of the Huntington. The ordinance, called the “junk” ordinance, will require residents to remove indoor furniture from outside.

Citizens who do not comply with the ordinance face fines up to $500 or possible jail time.

 Mayor Steve Williams said the ordinance is the first of many in efforts to improve and clean up the city. Beginning April 3, additional trash bins will be placed in neighborhoods to help citizens comply.

Citizens can also contact the Mayor’s office for assistance with garbage removal.

The ordinance was passed with a unanimous 8-0 vote.

The meeting closed by providing for Huntington’s youth. City council members approved the addition of a skate park to the Harris Riverfront Park, as well as a “Second Chance” prom geared toward giving to those with special needs, to take place at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena on Friday.