FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025

Coming Soon: MOTO Toolbox to Support Property Maintenance in Morgantown

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - The City of Morgantown will launch its newest initiative, the MOTO Toolbox, this fall, following a program overview presented to City Council at its regular meeting on Oct. 7. The service is designed to assist residents in maintaining safe and well-kept properties. By providing access to essential tools, the program aims to reduce financial barriers associated with home and property maintenance, foster community pride, and help uphold local codes and standards.
 
MOTO Toolbox membership will be available to all city residents 18 years of age or older. To become a member, residents must present a valid ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or W2. Registration is required before borrowing any tools and can be completed either in person at the City of Morgantown’s Development Services office, located on the first floor of City Hall, or online through the soon-to-be-launched MOTO Toolbox website. In the near future, the rental platform will allow residents to create accounts, browse inventory, and check items in and out.

The MOTO Toolbox will offer a wide range of common tools, including lawn care equipment, power tools, hand tools, and gardening supplies. City administration and staff believe the diverse tool selection will empower residents to take on home improvement projects while fostering increased self-sufficiency.

“One of the goals of this initiative is to give people in the community better access to the tools and equipment they need to maintain or improve their property,” said Community Development Services Coordinator Caitlyn Lewis. “The MOTO Toolbox helps eliminate the need to buy expensive equipment for a repair you might only do once. Special tools like post diggers aren’t cheap. With this program, you can borrow what you need for free and return it when you're done.” 

Borrowers may check out items for a standard loan period of seven days, with the option to request a one-time renewal for an additional seven days if submitted before the original due date. After the renewal period, a seven-day waiting period applies before re-requesting the same item. 

In addition to tool access, the program will promote a sense of community by enabling residents to engage in meaningful projects. The city hopes this collaborative approach will help strengthen neighborhood ties. 

“We see this being a huge asset to local organizations and neighborhood associations,” Lewis explained. “There are already groups excited to volunteer, and now we have a way to support those efforts with tools and resources. Looking ahead, we hope to take the lead in hosting events like basic maintenance classes for first-time homeowners and birdhouse-building workshops for kids.”
 
As part of the membership process, all tool library members will be required to fill out and sign a waiver, acknowledging the expectation that tools will be maintained and cared for appropriately. Various membership types will be available as well.

Director of Development Services Rickie Yeager also shared his excitement for the project.

“When we identified this project, our goal was to enhance our community services and resources, aligning with the core essence of our department and community needs,” said Yeager. “This project illustrates the City of Morgantown’s commitment to providing residents with the best quality of life. I am extremely proud of our team for working to make this possible.”

Stay tuned for local events and initiatives that showcase MOTO Toolbox at work. An official launch date will be determined this fall. For more information regarding city related initiatives and programs, follow the City of Morgantown’s Facebook page.

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