WELLSBURG, W.Va. – At the latest Wellsburg City Council meeting, tempers flared over the budget.
Third Ward Councilman Randy Fletcher argued that city employees, who haven’t seen a raise in six years, deserve one. In response, 4th Ward Councilman Charlie Harris and others questioned whether the 2025–2026 budget included the proposed pay raises.
Matters escalated when Mayor Dan Dudley and Harris exchanged sharp remarks—Harris calling the mayor incompetent, while Dudley criticized Harris for chairing the finance committee without showing up at meetings.
Ultimately, Dudley demanded that police escort Harris out of the chamber, and after further exchanges, Harris left accompanied by officers.
