By Associated Press - Monday, April 28, 2014

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - Martinsburg officials plan to gather input from residents and property owners on the city’s home rule application.

Media outlets report that a public hearing is set for Tuesday night as part of a special City Council meeting.

The city’s application includes adopting a 1 percent sales tax that would raise an estimated $2.4 million in revenue. Business and occupation taxes would be reduced and a tariff on amusement businesses would be eliminated.

West Virginia’s Municipal Home Rule program shifts power from the state to the local level and gives municipalities a larger say in how they govern. It began as a five-year pilot program in four cities.

Last year, the Legislature expanded the program to allow a total 20 municipalities to participate.

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