SEEING RESULTS — Volunteer Andrew Kirkman carried election materials to aid the Jefferson County Board of Elections during Tuesday’s general election. -- Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — In addition to picking federal, state and local candidates for public office, Jefferson County voters weighed in on many local issues — countywide and regional — during Tuesday’s general election.

Prevention and Recovery

Jefferson County voters elected to pass the replacement tax levy benefiting the Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board, according to unofficial election results.

The .5-mill levy received 16,767 votes in favor out of 29,724 total votes for 56.41 percent approval.

Commencing in 2025 and continuing for 10 years, the levy would fund mental health, alcohol and drug addiction programs from the JCPRB. The Jefferson County auditor estimates the levy would collect $938,000 annually.

The replacement levy would adjust collection based on current property valuations.

“I’m just so excited for the opportunity that this gives the community to benefit from the additional services that we’ll be able to provide, whether it’s prevention services for kids or additional treatment options for everybody, whether it’s for mental illness or substance use disorder,” said Bill Holt, recovery board executive director.

Holt thanked all those who supported the levy campaign, including JCPRB staff and board members, Commissioner Tony Morelli, Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. and other community members.

“I just really appreciate that the residents of Jefferson County were willing to continue to support us,” Holt said. “After being around for 60 years, the continued vote of confidence in the work we do is really important.”

The JCPRB’s levy was last passed as a renewal by voters during the Nov. 8, 2016, general election with 64.52 percent of votes being favorable to the levy.

SVRTA

Voters in Steubenville, Mingo Junction and Wintersville elected to pass a renewal levy benefiting the Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority, according to unofficial election results.

The 1.5-mill levy with a .5-mill increase received 5,761 votes in favor out of 10,047 total votes for 57.34 percent approval.

Commencing in 2025 and continuing for 10 years, the levy would help SVRTA finance all purposes other than bond debt charges. The Jefferson County auditor estimates the levy would collect $751,000 annually.

“I want to say thank you to everyone for their support,” said Transit Manager Tim Turner. “We have a lot to work on, a lot of work ahead of us as we continue to provide the best transit service to our riders. We have the best transit riders in the state of Ohio, and we want to thank everybody for their support through all this.”

SVRTA’s 1.5-mill levy was last passed as renewal during the Nov. 4, 2014, general election with 64.56 percent of votes being favorable to the levy.

Mingo Junction

Mingo Junction voters elected to pass an income tax benefiting a number of village funding arteries and a renewal levy for garbage collection and removal within the village, according to unofficial election results.

The income tax received 972 votes in favor out of 1,492 total votes for 65.15 percent approval.

Commencing in 2025 and continuing for five years, the income tax would provide a 1 percent tax — in addition to an existing, continuing 1 percent tax — on income earned by all residents, as well as non-residents who work in the village. Revenue would fund 10 different village funds, including the general, garbage, street improvement, capital improvement, recreation, senior citizens, fire equipment, police equipment, drug enforcement and community development funds.

The 6-mill garbage levy received 1,066 votes out of 1,493 total votes for 71.4 percent approval.

Commencing in 2025 and continuing for five years, the levy would fund the collection and disposal of garbage and refuse in the village. The Jefferson County auditor estimates the levy would collect $252,000 annually.

“I am incredibly grateful to our residents for their trust and confidence in the future of Mingo Junction,” said Mayor Judy Ruckman. “Your support for these issues speaks volumes about the commitment we all share to making Mingo Junction the best place it can be. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient village for generations to come.”

She continued: “The Village of Mingo Junction remains dedicated to being transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of its residents. These resources will be used responsibly, always with the best interests of the community in mind. Thank you again to the residents of Mingo Junction for your support, trust and commitment. Together we are shaping a brighter future for our village.”

The income tax was last passed as a renewal during the March 15, 2016, primary election with 67.87 of votes being favorable.

The garbage levy was last passed as a replacement during the Nov. 5, 2019, general election with 73.18 percent of votes being favorable.

Wintersville Police Protection

Wintersville voters elected to pass a new levy providing additional wages for the Wintersville Police Department, according to unofficial election results.

The 5-mill levy received 1,278 votes in favor out of 2,036 total votes for 62.77 percent approval.

Commencing in 2025 and continuing indefinitely, the levy will not require renewals through future elections. The Jefferson County auditor estimates the levy will collect $437,000 annually.

Village officials have said that, while three existing levies generate revenue for the department’s operations and officers’ pensions, they collectively provide just $186,766 of the department’s $866,121 budget.

“We are extremely pleased. It just shows the community’s support for our police department,” Mayor Mike Petrella said.

He also expressed thanks to all who joined him and the police department in promoting the levy.

“We had a lot of volunteers help encourage its passage. It was a team effort,” Petrella said.

He and other village officials had expressed concerns that competitive wages are needed to retain officers for the police department.