Hampshire county fire levy
Vote Yes to renewing the fire levy on May, 12th 2026 in the primary.
WHat is the fire levy?
The Fire Levy is a special excess levy—a property tax—that is voter-approved to provide dedicated funding for fire protection. In West Virginia, these funds are typically distributed among the county's volunteer fire departments (VFDs) to pay for equipment, training, and maintenance.
The Hampshire County Fire Levy has been around for 20 years and is renewed every 5 years.
why is this important
All fire departments in Hampshire County are 100% volunteer-based. While they receive some state funding, it rarely covers the rising costs of:-New Fire Engines: A single Fire Truck costs over $500,000.-Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Outfitting one firefighter costs thousands of dollars.-Insurance & Fuel: Standard operating costs that keep the stations running 24/7.
How much does this cost?
The cost is based on the assessed value of your property. Levy rates are typically broken down by property class:Class II (Owner-occupied residential): Usually the lowest rate.Class III & IV (Rental, commercial, or personal property): Typically double the Class II rate.Estimated Impact: For a property assessed at $100,000, a typical levy might cost between $20 and $60 per year, depending on the specific rate approved during the election cycle.
You can view the exact current levy rates on the Hampshire County Assessor’s website. They maintain an archive of levy rates by year, which shows the breakdown of State, County, School, and specialized levies (like Fire or Library).
How long does the levy last?
By law in West Virginia, these levies are not permanent. They must be renewed by voters every 5 years. If a levy fails to pass during an election, the departments lose that dedicated stream of revenue, often leading to service cuts or increased reliance on fundraising (like chicken dinners and boot drives).
How is the money distributed?
The funds are collected by the County Sheriff and managed by the County Commission. They are distributed among the various fire companies in the county Romney, Augusta, Capon Bridge, Capon Springs, Springfield, Slanesville and Levels. that help ensure that even the most rural areas have coverage.
WHat about ems fee?
Fire Levy vs. EMS FeePlease be advised that the Hampshire County Fire Levy and the Hampshire County Emergency Ambulance Service (EMS) Fee are two separate and distinct financial obligations. There is no correlation between these two charges in how they are calculated, collected, or utilized.
The Fire Levy is a property tax approved by voters every five years. It is based on the assessed value of your real estate and personal property. These funds are distributed to the volunteer fire departments to support fire protection, equipment, and station maintenance.
The EMS Fee is a flat-rate service fee established by County Ordinance (not a property tax). It is a set annual amount (currently $175.00 per billable structure) regardless of the property's value. These funds are dedicated exclusively to the Hampshire County Emergency Services Agency (HCESA) to ensure 24-hour ambulance coverage and emergency medical response across the county.
The Fire Levy is a property tax approved by voters every five years. It is based on the assessed value of your real estate and personal property. These funds are distributed to the volunteer fire departments to support fire protection, equipment, and station maintenance.
The EMS Fee is a flat-rate service fee established by County Ordinance (not a property tax). It is a set annual amount (currently $175.00 per billable structure) regardless of the property's value. These funds are dedicated exclusively to the Hampshire County Emergency Services Agency (HCESA) to ensure 24-hour ambulance coverage and emergency medical response across the county.
What happens if this dosent pass
The Bottom Line: If the levy fails, the fire departments don't disappear overnight, but their ability to respond quickly and safely is compromised, and most residents will eventually pay the difference through higher insurance costs. Help keep our Volunteers safe and show your support to these brave men and women who drop what they are doing at a moments notice to help fellow community members.