WEIRTON — Weirton Council Monday approved a set of resolutions making adjustments to bonds established to fund projects at Weirton Medical Center, ahead of the transition of the hospital into the West Virginia University Medicine system.

“This isn’t going to cost the city a cent,” explained Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso.

Both resolutions were approved 6-0, with Ward 4 Councilman George Ash not in attendance.

The first resolution provided for the modification on the outstanding tax-exempt revenue notes 2021B and 2023A, while the second resolution was to approve an engagement letter to retain Steptoe and Johnson as special counsel for the city as part of the process.

The resolutions note the hospital will cover any expenses related to Steptoe and Johnson representing the city in the matter.

City Attorney Vince Gurrera explained the process is all part of Weirton Medical Center becoming part of West Virginia United Health System, also known as West Virginia University Health System, or WVU Medicine.

The transition is set to become effective Jan. 1.

All other terms of the bonds will remain the same as previously approved, with the city acting only as a pass-through entity.

“It wouldn’t even be necessary if Weirton Medical wasn’t switching to WVU,” Gurrera said.

In other business Monday, City Council approved:

• The final readings of ordinances increasing the pay for the city’s mayor and members of City Council. Weirton’s mayor will now receive an annual salary of $12,760, plus $75 for each informational workshop and special council meeting attended, with councilmembers receiving $8,700 a year, along with the $75 per workshop or special meeting;

• Revisions to the 2024-25 fiscal year budget, to include an increase of $791,845 from the city’s Business and Occupation Tax, with the majority of new expenditures to cover annual retention payments to employees approved earlier in the year;

• A resolution for the replacement and relocation of a storm line on North 10th Street, at a cost of $19,850, with officials noting the line is partially located under a house;

• Agreements for the city’s health, vision, dental and life insurance policies;

• The appointment of Earlean Jones and Joseph Rosiak to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Jesse Krieg, John Thomas, and Anthony Capp to the planning commission, and Romie Castelli Jr. to the traffic commission.