Several fire departments may close after W.Va. tax levy fails

The levy would have brought in about $1 million a year to help pay for Mingo County’s 10 volunteer fire departments and one paid department

October 07, 2011 05:45 AM

The Charleston Gazette

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Several volunteer fire departments in Mingo County may be forced to shut down after an excess tax levy failed at the polls on Tuesday.

The levy would have brought in about $1 million a year to help pay for Mingo County’s 10 volunteer fire departments and one paid department. The fire levy was on the special gubernatorial election ballot on Tuesday.

According to the Mingo County Clerk’s Office, 2,609 people voted in favor of the fire levy, while 1,901 voted against. Although more people voted for the levy than against it, the measure required a 60 percent majority to pass.

Tuesday’s results were just shy of that number, with about 58 percent voting in favor of the levy.

Local fire officials said Mingo County’s fire departments were counting on the levy for funding. Some may be forced to close, raising insurance rates for homeowners, fire officials said.

It is unclear whether local officials will put the levy back on the ballot.