ON THE BALLOT — The continuation of a long-time levy in support of the Hancock County Sheltered Workshop is among the items set to appear on the county’s ballot this year. The levy would provide $250,000 per year toward transportation services for the workshop’s clients. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Officials with the Hancock County Sheltered Workshop are hoping the county’s voters will continue to show support for an excess levy which has been on the books since the early 1990s.

Renewal of the Hancock County Sheltered Workshop levy is among the items set to appear on Hancock County’s ballot in the upcoming election.

First approved by voters in 1992, the levy has received widespread support each time it has come up for renewal, according to Sheltered Workshop Executive Director Michael Hagg, with no increase in the years since.

“This is the same levy that’s been passed the last 30 plus years,” Hagg said. “There’s no increase.”

The levy, set to go before the voters every four years, raises $250,000 per year to assist with the Workshop’s operations.

Specifically, Hagg explained, it funds transportation costs.

“The funds go toward transporting our clients to the workshop and home,” Hagg said, adding while transportation costs have become more expensive over the years, it is provided to their 52 clients at no cost.

The Hancock County Sheltered Workshop, which opened its doors in 1958, provides a variety of training and job opportunities to individuals with disabilities, operating a commercial laundry with tasks suited to people of numerous skill and ability levels.

The Workshop also provides opportunities for clients to learn life skills as well as social interaction through events both at the Workshop and throughout the community.

“It allows them to be safe and secure,” Hagg said. “It allows them to be proud of what they do.”

According to figures provided by the levy call, the taxation rates for use in the levy are established at 0.69 cents for $100 of assessed value on Class I properties, 1.29 cents per $100 on Class II properties, and $2.58 cents for $100 on both Class III and Class IV properties.

Any funds raised beyond the $250,000 per year are to be put toward recreation in the county.

To pass, the levy must be approved by at least 60 percent of the votes cast, which Hagg noted can be an obstacle, but it is one which has been surpassed numerous times.

“The citizens of Hancock County have always been supportive of our organization and our levy,” Hagg said.