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Jefferson County holds first public meeting on proposed fire levy

By Toni Milbourne, The Journal

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Jefferson County Fire and Rescue Association hosted a public meeting, in conjunction with the Jefferson County Commission, to discuss a proposed fire levy draft to bring before the voters of the county.

The association came before the commission late in 2023 to discuss the possibility of placing a levy on the ballot for the May 14 primary election, but commissioners, with advice from legal counsel, advised that the November ballot would be a more appropriate time.

In holding off until the November election, the commission hoped to seek input from members of the community on the proposed levy. Last Thursday evening was the first public meeting, but only a handful of members of the public arrived to ask questions or give input. The attendees mostly consisted of fire and rescue personnel from the seven stations in Jefferson County, who are seeking to secure a stream of funding to continue their operations moving forward.

Marshall DeMeritt, EMS chief for Shepherdstown Fire Department, and Adam Watson, chair of the JCFRA and chief at Independent Fire Company, led the meeting, explaining for what the levy would be used, as well as why the need is so great to have a sustainable funding source.

The proposed levy calls for a five-year life span to garner approximately $2.5 million. The levy, if passed, would then come up for renewal every five years.

Read more: https://www.journal-news.net/journal-news/jefferson-county-holds-first-public-meeting-on-proposed-fire-levy/article_b64ee9e1-33a6-54b4-b4d0-890ab9a4583f.html

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