NEW CUMBERLAND — In addition to candidates for a variety of offices, this year’s Hancock County ballot will include the requested renewal of a longtime levy in support of the county’s three libraries.

Hancock County Commissioners agreed, Thursday, to place the levy renewal on the ballot for the county’s May 12 primary election.

“The citizens have supported the libraries for a long time,” noted Commission President Eron Chek during Thursday’s meeting.

Throughout its life, the levy raises $200,000 per year to support the county’s three public libraries: the Mary H. Weir Public Library in Weirton, the Swaney Memorial Library in New Cumberland, and the Lynn Murray Memorial Public Library in Chester.

Mike Lucas, assistant county prosecutor who serves as the commission’s legal counsel, explained there would be no increase in the rates or the amount the levy raises if it is renewed by the voters.

“There was no increase in the amount they will be receiving,” Lucas said.

Traditionally, the Mary H. Weir Public Library has received $148,156 per year through the levy, with the Lynn Murray Memorial Library receiving $27,408 per year, and the Swaney Memorial Library receiving $24,436 per year.

Under state law, the library levy needs an approval rating of at least 60 percent in order to be renewed for another term.

The county’s library levy was last approved by voters during the November 2022 general election – receiving 5,392 votes in favor and 3,045 against – with it being effective from July 1, 2023 until June 30, 2027.