On Jan. 30, Mercer County voters will decide whether to re-authorize for another five years the special levy that has supported the local public schools for almost six decades. The levy will be the only item on the ballot. Voters will indicate their approval by checking the appropriate box. Citizens need to remember that voting “for the levies” will not raise their taxes.

What it will do is allow Mercer County Schools to continue competitive salaries and benefits to employees and vital services to students without interruption. The Princeton—Mercer County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce fully endorse re-authorizing the levy. We recognize that quality schools benefit the whole community by better preparing graduates to enter college or workforce, attracting talented teachers, drawing new business and industry, and increasing property value and home sales.

We also recognize that the financial demands on a public school district are overwhelming. Mercer County, with 9,500 students, is the eighth-largest district in the state. Teaching, transporting, feeding, and nurturing so many students with different needs is challenging and expensive.

If approved, the levy will be used for the same purposes and in roughly the same amounts as in previous years—to supplement textbooks, computers/technology, classroom supplies, extracurricular activities, and transportation costs. Employee salary supplements and optical/dental benefits will come from levy revenue. Another portion of the funds will be allocated for building maintenance, renovation, safety upgrades, utilities, and insurance. Finally, the levy includes financial support for local libraries and 4-H Clubs.

Mercer County has consistently rallied to re-authorize the education levy. It is time to do it again. On Jan. 30, please vote “for the levies.” You will be voting for Mercer County, as well.

— Robert Farley

Princeton-Mercer County

Chamber of Commerce

President & CEO

— Marc Meachum

Greater Bluefield

Chamber of Commerce

President & CEO