BUCKHANNON — Saying Buckhannon is “strong and forward-looking,” Mayor Robbie Skinner talked about the city’s goals for 2026.

During Buckhannon City Council’s Jan. 15 meeting, which coincided with the 210-year anniversary of the founding of the city, Skinner gave his annual State of the City Address. In his remarks, Skinner presented a positive outlook for the city’s current operations, as well as future projects in the works.

“Tonight, I am proud to report to you that the state of our city is strong and forward-looking,” Skinner said. “Rooted in our shared values of public service, civic engagement and thoughtful investment in infrastructure and quality of life, Buckhannon is well-positioned to enjoy many more successes in our next 210 years.”

When speaking on the accomplishments of the Buckhannon City Water Department, Skinner addressed the continuing work on the city’s new $47 million water treatment facility, which he described as “the most significant infrastructure improvement project” in the city’s history.

For the past year, Skinner said, the City of Buckhannon has been fleshing out the planning and financing of the new water treatment plant and associated pipeline upgrades. He stated that ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water for all of Upshur County is an “enormous responsibility” that officials do not take lightly.

“Everyone associated with the City of Buckhannon understands the concern surrounding increasing water consumption rates, but this is a project that must be done,” Skinner said. “We also recognize that members of our community still have questions about the project.”

Skinner thanked City Recorder Randy Sanders and the city’s water plant management team for creating and posting a “comprehensive frequently asked questions” document on the City of Buckhannon website and on the City Hall Facebook page. He encouraged all Upshur County residents to review the FAQ in order to “best understand the full scope of this complex project.”

The mayor also praised the City Sanitary and Waste Services for the completion of major infrastructure upgrades throughout 2025. He said crews extended sewer service for new development, replaced failing clay lines with modern PVC pipe in multiple areas, renewed service to existing customers and removed outdated manholes and taps. Significant improvements were also made to the city’s treatment plant and pump stations.

Praise was also given to the City Street and City Engineering departments for their completed projects in 2025, as well as their ongoing projects in the new year. The Street Department’s accomplishments included how crews had upgraded a little under a mile of ADA-accessible sidewalks along Island Avenue, North Florida, Pocahontas and South Kanawha streets. For the Engineering department, Skinner’s praises included how all ARPA-funded water and sanitary sewer improvement projects, which totaled more than $2.3 million, were completed by August.

When speaking on the Buckhannon City Police Department and the Buckhannon Fire Department, Skinner highlighted how both departments returned to their “full strength” in 2025 with the addition of new officers and volunteer firefighters.

“We made important strides in staffing by increasing our volunteer ranks from seven to 12 members and returning our career staff to full strength,” Skinner said in regard to the Buckhannon Fire Department. “Thanks to the development of certified in-house instructors, we are now able to train new firefighters locally — allowing recruits like our newest career firefighter, Josh Bowers, to complete academy training while on staff.”

One goal for both departments in 2026 is the expansion and growth of training opportunities, Skinner explained. The Buckhannon City Police Department plans to host several training sessions at both the Training Room at the Public Safety Complex and the Event Center at Brushy Fork. The department is also working to re-establish their Youth Police Academy program, with hopes that the “very popular” event will return in the summer.

Skinner reported that major investments have also continued at the Mudlick Road Fire Training Facility, including the ongoing construction of a three-story burn building, completion of a rescue training house and the addition of a flashover training unit donated by Loudoun County, Virginia.

In his closing remarks, Skinner looked ahead, stating that 2026 will be a year that “builds on our progress while celebrating everything that makes Buckhannon special.”

Skinner highlighted the 84th annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival, for which the Buckhannon City Council approved a total sponsorship allotment of $50,000, as well as return of the Almost Heaven Barbecue Bash and Create Buckhannon’s Festival Fridays.

“In 2026, we will continue focusing on the foundations of a strong city – safe streets, reliable utilities, vibrant public spaces and responsive city services – while also prioritizing quality-of-life enhancements that make our city such a great place to live, work and visit,” Skinner said. “We will continue building partnerships, pursuing grants, and planning responsibly for the future, ensuring that progress is thoughtful, inclusive and sustainable.”