WV SB957

Reduces the minimum number of council members from five to three for Class IV towns or villages with a population of 2,000 or fewer when the municipality is not divided into wards or election districts.

Applies the reduced three-member minimum to Class IV towns or villages using the Manager Plan or Manager-Mayor Plan forms of government with populations of 2,000 or fewer.

Maintains the existing five-member minimum for Class I, Class II, and Class III cities regardless of population.

Updates gender-neutral language throughout the affected statutes, replacing "he" with "he or she" or "the manager" where applicable.

Introduced February 16, 2026, by Senators Rose and Rucker and referred to the Committee on Government Organization.