County Seeks Seat on Morgantown Utility Board

Monongalia County's commission president wants county representation on the board as a longtime member prepares to step down.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Utilities

Isometric editorial illustration of a cast-iron water valve on a gravel shoulder against a simplified wooded ridgeline, conveying utility infrastructure serving county ratepayers. — Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom is pushing for two county seats on the five-member Morgantown Utility Board, where 66 percent of customers live outside city limits. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom called for county representation on the Morgantown Utility Board. Board member Tom Witt announced he will not seek reappointment.

Why it matters

Approximately 66 percent of Morgantown Utility Board customers live outside Morgantown city limits, yet no Monongalia County resident has been appointed to the board in five years. Bloom said county residents are funding projects while lacking board representation.

About 66 percent of Morgantown Utility Board customers live outside city limits, while two appointments have been made in the past five years without any going to a Monongalia County resident. It is not yet clear whether the city will consider a county replacement for Tom Witt.

The players

Tom Bloom

Monongalia County Commission President who called for county representation on the Morgantown Utility Board.

Tom Witt

Morgantown Utility Board member who announced he will not seek reappointment.

The details

County commissioners proposed a five-member board with two county members, two city members and one Morgantown Area Partnership member. Bloom also said the city previously tried to add a council member and the Morgantown City Manager to the board, and he warned a regional utility board may need to be considered at the county level if the city does not support county representation.

Five years ago: County commissioners proposed a two-county-representative board arrangement that was never implemented.
Past few years: Bloom raised concerns over city efforts to add members to the board.
Upon construction start: Development is expected to increase near Exit 155 on Interstate 79.

Market Landscape

The dispute over Morgantown Utility Board seats reflects a broader question of how regional utility governance is shared between a city and surrounding county customers. Bloom's warning about a possible county-level regional utility board signals that the current arrangement may be reconsidered.

Monongalia County residents who pay Morgantown Utility Board charges may gain a voice in board decisions if county representation is adopted. Without a change, customers living outside city limits will continue to have no seat on the board that sets their water and sewer service.

The takeaway

Residents who pay utility bills should watch how the Morgantown City Council responds to the vacancy left by Tom Witt. Who fills that seat could determine whether customers outside city limits gain representation.