NEW CUMBERLAND — Voters in Hancock County, West Virginia overwhelmingly showed support for two levies in Tuesday’s election.

According to unofficial results, the county’s new levy in support of the Hancock County Animal Shelter received approval from 68.55% of voters, with 2,955 voting for the levy and 1,356 voting against.

The levy, designed to raise $300,000 per year over a four-year period, was approved by commissioners to go before voters last November.

Under the levy call, taxes would be assessed at a rate of 0.7378 cents for every $100 of assessed value on Class I properties; 1.4756 cents for every $100 on Class II properties and 2.9512 cents per $100 on Class III and Class IV properties.

The levy would begin its assessment July 1, 2026, and run through June 30, 2030.

If the levy raises more than $300,000 in any fiscal year, rates would be adjusted and the additional funds would be placed into the county’s general fund for recreational purposes.

When approving the call in November, commissioners noted it was an increase from a previous county levy, last approved in 2020 and running until 2023, which collected $100,000 per year, citing higher costs to operate the shelter in recent years.

Hancock County continues to hold ownership of the animal shelter, with management provided through the Jefferson County Humane Society.

The Hancock County Library levy, meanwhile, received 3,093 votes in favor of renewing the long-standing levy, with 1,219 voting against. The results equate to 71.73% approval.

Under state law, the library levy needed at least 60% approval to continue.

It raises $200,000 per year in support of the Mary H. Weir Public Library in Weirton, the Swaney Memorial Library in New Cumberland and the Lynn Murray Memorial Public Library in Chester.

The levy was approved by county commissioners for placement on the ballot Jan. 22.

Under the terms of the levy, Class I properties are taxed at a rate of 0.49 cents per $100 of assessed value, Class II properties at 0.98 cents per $100, and Class III and Class IV properties at 1.96 cents per $100.

The assessments would take effect July 1, 2027, and run through June 30, 2031.

If additional revenues are raised through either levy, those funds are to be placed into the county’s general fund but designated only for recreational purposes.