The City of St. Albans will use $4,875.24 in recently recovered unclaimed property funds to pay down an existing equipment loan for its public works department.
West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack presented the funds to city officials on Monday during a presentation at Olde Main Plaza. Mayor Scott James accepted the check on behalf of the municipality.
The money was recovered through the State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division and consists primarily of undelivered checks and other misplaced funds that are turned over to the state.
James thanked the Treasurer’s Office for returning the money to the city.
“Anytime you show up, it’s always a good day,” James joked during the presentation. “This is such a great program that you guys have.”
The city plans to put the recovered funds toward its public works equipment loan, which officials said will support the department’s ability to maintain and improve city infrastructure while demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
Pack also praised St. Albans’ leadership and recent development.
“We’re glad to bring some money to you, to the City of St. Albans… thanks so much for what you’re doing down there,” Pack said. “The town’s growing, a lot of good things are happening. We’re glad to be here today.”
During the presentation, Pack also encouraged West Virginians to check whether they have unclaimed property of their own.
Pack said about $80 million in unclaimed property currently belongs to residents of Kanawha County, while more than $500 million is unclaimed statewide.
“Every time we do a public presentation, it drives people to our website, and you can check if you have unclaimed property,” Pack said. “Absolutely, we want people to go to the website and check. All you have to do is go to the website and put your name in.”
Residents can search for unclaimed property through the West Virginia State Treasurer’s website.
