Bill > HB5195

This bill, amending West Virginia code §11A-1-17, increases the annual commission allowed to sheriffs for collecting taxes. Specifically, after a sheriff has collected 85 percent of all real and personal property taxes, they will be entitled to an annual commission of $30,000, up from the previous $15,000. This increase is justified by the Legislature's finding that sheriffs, who also serve as county treasurers, have been consistently assigned new and additional duties since 1955, including those mandated by federal law, which warrant this higher compensation without violating constitutional provisions regarding salaries. This commission will be charged against the tax funds collected and integrated into the sheriff's budgeted annual compensation, starting July 1, 2026.