WHEELING — In the recent general election, a key levy supporting the Belmont County Mental Health and Recovery Board gained strong approval from voters. The county-wide 1.25 mill renewal levy received 5,907 votes in support and 4,614 against it. This 10-year levy will fund essential mental health services in the community.
Lisa Ward, the board’s executive director, expressed gratitude for the community’s backing. “We’re thankful our community recognizes the importance of behavioral health services. This gives us the support to continue our work and enhance community well-being,” she said.
In contrast, a 2-mill permanent improvement levy for the Union Local School District did not pass. The vote tallied 1,408 against and 737 in favor. Superintendent Zac Shutler shared his disappointment but emphasized that the district’s needs remain unchanged. “We respect the voters’ decision, but we must keep discussing how to meet our students’ needs,” he stated.
In Shadyside, voters saw mixed results with three current expense levies. The first, a 1.9-mill renewal levy, passed with 544 votes for and 404 against. This levy costs homeowners about $9 for every $100,000 in assessed property value over five years. A second renewal of 2.5 mills also succeeded, with 526 votes for and 415 against. However, a replacement levy for 1.35 mills failed, garnering only 317 votes in favor to 614 against.
In the village of Belmont, a police levy was rejected with a vote of 70 to 31. A parks and recreation levy in Powhatan Point, on the other hand, passed comfortably with 145 votes for and 49 against.
Voters in Flushing decided against a fire protection levy, which had 94 votes against and just 52 for it. Conversely, in Goshen Township, residents approved three separate levies for various needs: roads and bridges, fire protection, and additional fire protection passed with votes of 220 to 165, 219 to 161, and 229 to 154, respectively.
This election reflects broader trends. Mental health awareness has grown significantly, with experts noting a rise in public support for mental health initiatives. According to a recent survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 80% of Americans believe that funding for mental health services should be a priority. As communities navigate the balance between funding needs and public support, ongoing dialogues will be crucial to ensure that essential services are maintained.
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Local News,Belmont County mental health levy passes
