Chamber Announces Support of Fire Levy and School Levy
Preston County Chamber of Commerce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristy Ash, 304.329.0576
Chamber announces support of fire levy and school levy
Kingwood, W.Va., – April 22, 2018 – The Preston County Chamber of Commerce has announced its support of both the fire fee excess levy and the Preston County Board of Education excess levy that will appear on the ballot for county residents in the upcoming May 8th election. The decision to support both levies was based on a vote by the Chamber’s board of directors.
The fire fee excess levy would provide an estimated $499,678 annually over the next five years for the payment of the excess costs to operate the twelve Preston County volunteer fire departments. These costs consist of materials and equipment for maintaining and enhancing fire department facilities, general supplies, utilities, vehicle maintenance and expenses, and insurance expenses.
The Board of Education excess levy would provide $2,420,000 annually over the next five years for expenses including general maintenance, improvements and equipment; safety and security; technology expenses; curricular, extra- and co-curricular activities; staff, student and senior citizen athletic and fine art event admission; instructional supplies and materials; extended day, extended year, virtual, mobile and alternative education programs; and community facility use.
“The Preston County Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of both of these levies, and the impact they have on the business community and economic development in the county,” said Kerry Gnik, vice president-elect for the Chamber’s board of directors. “Our county fire departments provide an invaluable service to our community, and the fire levy will help provide improved equipment and facilities. Residents and businesses within the county will benefit from better equipped fire departments, with the potential for lower insurance rates as well,” she said.
Gnik added that the Chamber’s board of directors believes that the school levy is very important to economic development in Preston County. “Most county school systems in West Virginia operate with an excess levy,” she said. “This levy will help ensure our students are afforded the same opportunities as students in other parts of the state, and will be critical in terms of attracting new businesses and residents to Preston County. The Chamber encourages everyone to vote in support of both levies.”
The Preston County Chamber of Commerce serves more than 160 businesses in Preston County. The Chamber’s mission is to take a leadership role in enhancing the county’s business environment by involving itself in economic, governmental, educational and civic affairs with concern for the present and long-term interests of its members. Additional information is available at www.prestonchamber.com.