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Weirton moving ahead on plans for park levy

By CRAIG HOWELL 2 min read
MOVING FORWARD — As part of Monday’s meeting of Weirton Council, a resolution was approved to place an excess levy in support of the city’s parks on Weirton’s November election ballot. Officials indicated some work is still needed to finalize the levy documents. Pictured are Ward 4 Councilman George Ash, at left, who sponsored the resolution, and Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON -- Weirton Council unanimously approved a resolution, Monday, authorizing the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation to place an excess levy on the city's November ballot, but not without some questions.

The resolution was sponsored by Ward 4 Councilman George Ash, and explains, "if approved, an excess levy benefitting parks, green spaces, and other recreational facilities or services in the City will be imposed on City citizens as an increase in property tax beginning fiscal year 2025-2026."

Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel, though, noted there was no amount to be raised through the levy included in the resolution language.

Parks Director Coty Shingle explained there are still a few steps needed to finalize such a levy, with council passing the resolution being one of them.

"We're looking for about $10 million," Shingle said, explaining City Attorney Vince Gurrera will be able to take the approved resolution to Hancock County Assessor Joe Alongi, who will assist in finalizing the tax rates for Hancock County residents.

When asked about progress in Brooke County, Shingle said there have been some difficulties with officials there.

According to Shingle, an individual he had been speaking with in the Brooke County Elections Office has told him he must go through the West Virginia Auditor's Office to get rates from that county. Without those numbers, the levy won't be able to go on the ballot in November.

Gurrera said he will be taking the documents to Alongi and they will once again approach Brooke County.

"If she says no, I'll have to call the auditor," Gurrera said.

Hancock County Commissioner Eron Chek, who was in the gallery during Monday's meeting, stated it typically only took two days for the state auditor to get rates for levies in Hancock County.

Weirton Parks officials have been spending the last several months compiling a list of projects to potentially fund through such a levy, including much of a multi-stage improvement project at Marland Heights Park, repairs to the roof of the Millsop Community Center, along with updates to the heating and cooling systems at the center, updates to security systems at park facilities, ongoing maintenance on the Panhandle Recreational Trail and more.

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