CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Charleston City Council passed a pair of bills Monday night, including a half-percent sales tax on some retail items, to help fund renovations at the Charleston Civic
The tax would apply to items such as food, cars and gasoline.
The second bill eliminates the business and operating tax on any manufacturing in the city. Mayor Danny Jones and other city leaders amended the city's home rule plan to add the sales tax.
Leaders hope to use the tax money for a convention center and use surplus money to pay for pensions.
Jones spoke extensively during Monday’s meeting, saying the Civic Center upgrades are essential to the future of Charleston
