FUNDING SOUGHT — During their meeting Tuesday, Hancock County commissioners approved a measure to place a special excess levy on the ballot, which, if approved, would provide $300,000 per year in support of the Hancock County Animal Shelter. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — Commissioners are hoping the voters of Hancock County will be willing to show their monetary support for the county’s animal shelter following a series of changes in operations and oversight.

As part of their meeting Tuesday, Hancock County commissioners unanimously approved a notice for a special excess levy, to be placed on the May 12 primary election ballot for the purpose of funding the Hancock County Animal Shelter.

According to a copy of the levy call, provided following the meeting, the proposed levy, if approved by voters, would raise $300,000 per year, for a run of four years, or a total of $1.2 million in support of the shelter, which is owned by the county and now managed by the Jefferson County Humane Society.

The proposed levy is an increase from one previously on the books in the county.

“We’ve increased the amount from $100,000 to $300,000,” explained Commission President Eron Chek.

Chek said commissioners feel they had to increase the amount being sought as a result of increased expenses, noting it has taken well over $100,000 per year to operate the animal shelter in recent years.

“We’ve spent more in operating the shelter every year,” she said.

She reiterated additional financial support could be available through fundraisers and grants, for which the humane society would be eligible but not the county commission.

Tax rates under the proposed levy would include 0.7378 cents per $100 of assessed value for Class I properties; 1.4756 cents per $100 of value on Class II properties; 2.9512 cents per $100 on Class III properties; and 2.9512 cents per $100 on Class IV properties.

If approved, the levy would be in effect from July 1 through June 30, 2030, with the option to renew through voter approval.

In the event more than $300,000 is raised each year, “the amount in excess of said approximate sum shall be transferred to the general fund of said county for expenditure by said county for recreational purposes only.”

The last time a levy in support of the county’s animal shelter was on the books was a measure approved by voters in 2020 by a margin of 4,233 in favor and 2,346 against.

It ran from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023, collecting $100,000 per year during the three-year period.