Gov. Morrisey Signs HB 4009, Which Expands Portable Benefits for WV’s Independent Workforce, into Law in Elkins
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 15, 2026 — This morning, Governor Patrick Morrisey held a ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 4009 at the Holiday Inn in Elkins. The new law expands the scope of portable benefits for West Virginia’s independent workforce while providing tax incentives for both hiring organizations and the contractors who work with them. With him at the signing included local leaders such as Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco.
HB 4009 allows gig workers and freelancers to receive benefits—including health insurance, retirement, disability, and life insurance—from the companies for which they work, without requiring those companies to reclassify them as employees. The law creates a benefits “backpack” that belongs to the independent worker, not the organization, meaning the worker can carry these benefits from job to job. Furthermore, multiple companies can contribute to the same worker’s benefits account.
The signing ceremony in Elkins highlighted the city’s rapid growth as a hub for remote and independent workers, bolstered by the Ascend WV program and revitalization projects in downtown and South Elkins.
“We appreciate Gov. Morrisey’s decision to hold the signing ceremony here in Elkins,” said Mayor Marco. “It was an exciting opportunity for our state’s leadership to see the progress being made in our community.”
Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco Sworn In as President of West Virginia Municipal League
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 7, 2026 — Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco was sworn in as president of the West Virginia Municipal League (WVML) for the 2026–2027 term during an Aug. 6 ceremony in Charleston. Outgoing president and Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin […]
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Work for Elkins Wastewater Dept. as a Technician, a Career AI Can’t Replace
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 4, 2026 — The City of Elkins Wastewater Department is searching for a Wastewater Collection Technician I, II or III. This is a full-time position with benefits and will remain open until the position is filled. Final placement […]
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EFD Accepting Applications for Entry-Level Firefighters Through Aug. 21
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 3, 2026 — The Elkins Fire Department (EFD) is seeking candidates for entry-level appointment to the ranks of paid, civil-service firefighters. Although there are currently no immediate openings, the department is accepting applications from Monday, Aug. 3, through […]
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Build a Career with Elkins Water Department – Water Technician Openings (Level I, II or III)
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 31, 2026 — The City of Elkins Water Distribution Department (Water Department) seeks a Water Technician I, II or III to help manage the municipal water system at the plant located at 192 High Street Extension. This job […]
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Help Shape Elkins’ Future: Apply for Planning Commission Vacancy
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 27, 2026 — The City of Elkins seeks candidates to serve on its Planning Commission. The vacancy is for an unexpired term that ends on December 31, 2027. Full terms on this commission are for three years. The […]
Read MoreElkins City Council Approves FY 2027 Budget Revision Using Surplus Funds
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 23, 2026 — At its July 23 meeting, Elkins City Council approved the first budget revision for Fiscal Year 2027, reallocating an additional $531,594 in surplus funds left unspent from Fiscal Year 2026. Combined with the $686,183 in […]
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