Tom Witt Departed Morgantown Utility Board
The longtime Vice Chair left the utility board following a decade of service as a representative from outside the city.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should city-appointed boards prioritize including members from outside city limits to represent all customers?
Tom Witt concluded his ten-year tenure on the Morgantown Utility Board, marking his final attendance at a meeting on October 13, 2026. His departure leaves the board with no members who reside outside of Morgantown city limits.
Why it matters
Witt had advocated for the appointment of members living outside the city to ensure geographic representation for the board's diverse customer base. Over half of the approximately 25,000 customers served by the utility reside outside city limits.
Tom Witt served on the board for 10 years, representing a portion of the utility's approximately 25,000 total customers. His official term was scheduled to last until November 1, 2026.
The players
Tom Witt
He served as the Vice Chair of the Morgantown Utility Board for a decade.
Morgantown City Council
The local governing body holds the authority to appoint members to the Morgantown Utility Board.
Morgantown Utility Board
This entity provides essential utility services to approximately 25,000 customers in the Morgantown area.
JT Straface
He is a former long-term member who served on the board for over a decade.
Barbara Parsons
She is a former long-term member who served on the board for over a decade.
The details
Appointed by the Morgantown City Council, board members oversee utility operations for thousands of residents across Monongalia County. Witt, a resident of Cheat Lake, stepped down approximately three weeks before his official term was set to expire.
Timeline
Tom Witt began his tenure on the board in 2016.
The Morgantown City Council adjusted board leadership composition in 2022.
Tom Witt attended his final meeting on October 13, 2026.
The official board term for Tom Witt expires on November 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition highlights a shift in board composition that impacts how the utility balances urban and regional interests. The departure of the final non-city member reflects an ongoing consolidation of localized oversight within the Morgantown municipal structure.
Customers living outside city limits may notice a change in how their specific geographic interests are represented during future board decisions. Residents should monitor upcoming City Council sessions for the appointment of a new board member.
The takeaway
The composition of local boards remains a critical factor for utility customers who live outside municipality boundaries. Residents in the broader Monongalia County area should keep track of municipal appointments to ensure their service concerns are addressed.
What happens next
The Morgantown City Council is expected to appoint a new member to fill the vacant seat left by Tom Witt.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure oversight in the Morgantown Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAJR.
Live Poll
Should city-appointed boards prioritize including members from outside city limits to represent all customers?
