WIRT'S OPERATING LEVY PASSES ON THIRD TRY - 71% Voters Approve Measure

(02/25/2013)
The Wirt County operating levy passed Saturday.

The vote tally is 791 for and 317 against, allowing the levy to pass with 71.39 percent, exceeding the super majority of 60%.

During last May's primary election the levy was defeated with 59% of the voters approving.

During the last general election the levy was defeated with 58% approving.

The levy is for 4 years. Total funds to be raised is $907,091. The levy amount reduced by 10% over previous levy.

Wirt County has 4,371 registered voters, with 1,111 voting in Saturday's election.

Wirt, which has the smallest operating budget in the state, and is the only county with an operating levy, which raises a little more than $200,000.

Most of the revenue funds salaries for non-elected county officials, including many county employees. It also is used to pay for utilities, maintenance and regional jail bills.

Wirt county elected officials and their employees have few benefits, including health insurance.