Hancock County voters approve fees | News, Sports, Vacancies

NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County voters blessed two taxes appearing on their ballot in Tuesday’s election, passing both a bond for Hancock County Schools and renewing a long-standing surcharge to support the Hancock County Shelter Workshop.

A new bond levy to support safety improvements and other projects at Hancock County Schools received 56.63% approval, with 6,902 votes in favor of the levy and 5,285 votes against, according to unofficial results.

“I am very grateful to the people of Hancock County.” Principal Dan Enich said.

In August, the Hancock County Board of Education agreed to place a bond levy before county voters with the goal of raising $10.65 million through bond sales to fund various safety and other improvement projects in the school district.

“We’re very excited” – said Yenich. “We plan to make the school system a safer and better place.”

Under the bill, for every $100 of assessed value, Class I properties would be taxed at 3.82 cents, Class II at 7.64 cents, Class III at 15.28 cents and Class IV at 15.28 cents.

Oak Glen School will receive $2,096,728 for gym and theater upgrades, visitor identification systems, security lobby upgrades, security cameras, weapons detection systems, cell phone boosters, lunch table replacements, as well as sidewalk and parking lot upgrades, heating, ventilation systems and air conditioning, elevator systems, signage, storage and fire alarms.

Weir High School will receive $2,150,352 for gym and theater upgrades, visitor identification systems, security cameras, weapons detection systems, cell phone amplifiers, lunch table replacements and other improvements to sidewalks and parking lots, HVAC systems, roof and lighting. hatches, signage and storage areas. buildings, fencing, fencing and fire alarm systems.

The John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center will receive $1,296,422 for visitor identification systems, security camera installations, weapons detection systems, security lobby upgrades, security gates, cell phone boosters, road and parking improvements, elevator, signage, storage facilities and fire department security. alarm systems.

Oak Glen Middle will receive $1,633,011 for gymnasium upgrades, security cameras, visitor identification systems, weapons detection systems, security lobby upgrades, school pyrite restoration project, cell phone booster, lunch table replacement, paving and parking lots, HVAC system and air conditioning, storage facilities. building and signs.

Weir High School will receive $1,173,417 for upgrades to the gym, theater, security camera, visitor identification system, weapons detection system, cell phone amplifiers, replacement lunch tables, paving and parking areas, HVAC systems, signage and fire alarms.

AT Allison will receive $530,220 for a new playground, pavement and parking improvements, security cameras, visitor identification systems, weapons detection system, cell phone booster, storage area and replacement dining tables.

New Manchester Elementary School will receive $500,821 for a playground, pavement and parking lot improvements, security cameras, visitor identification systems, weapons detection systems, a cell phone booster and replacement lunch tables.

Weirton Elementary will receive $664,135 for a playground, an additional driveway, paving and parking improvements, visitor identification systems, weapons detection systems, security cameras, a cell phone booster and replacement lunch tables.

The Department of Transportation and Maintenance will receive $444,894 for a new salt shed, security cameras and paving.

Meanwhile, the Sheltered Workshop levy received 61.99% support, with 7,645 votes cast in favor of the levy and 4,687 against.

For the tax to remain in effect, approval of at least 60% of the county vote would have to be approved on Tuesday.

First approved by Hancock County voters in 1992, the Hancock County Sheltered Workshop Levy provides $250,000 per year for the operation of a sheltered workshop.

“The funds go towards transporting our clients to the workshop and home,” Sheltered Workshop chief executive Michael Hagg explained this before the election.

The Hancock County Shelter Shop, which opened its doors in 1958, provides a variety of training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities by operating a commercial laundry facility, performing tasks suitable for people with varying skill levels and abilities.

The Workshop also provides clients with the opportunity to gain life skills as well as social interaction through activities both at the Workshop and throughout the community.

The Hancock County shelter currently has 52 clients.

The fee will be valid for four years, from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029.

According to data provided in the levy notice, the tax rates for use of the levy are set at 0.69 cents per $100 of assessed value for Class I properties, 1.29 cents per $100 for Class II properties and 2.58 cents for $100 for Class III properties. and class IV properties.

Any additional funds received from the levy, in excess of $250,000 per year, will be allocated to parks and recreation within the Hancock County Park System, according to language included in the levy.

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