Marion County Humane Society plans to present version of failed levy in next election cycle

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) — In Marion County’s primary election , the community voted against two levies— the Marion County Board of Education, as well as the Marion County Humane Society .

The Marion County Humane Society’s levy had 57.96% of votes in favor of it, but it needed 60% of votes in favor to pass.

“I’m very sad and I’m very disappointed,” said Jonna Spatafore, Shelter Director for the Marion County Humane Society. “The animals of Marion County suffered for the decision made today.”

Spatafore stated that the levy would’ve been used to help fund general operations at their new facility , which they’re still struggling to pay off. Some of these services would’ve included general care of the animals, animals’ medical bills, and staff pay.

According to Spatafore, half of the facility has been paid for so far, but they’re still in debt trying to pay off the rest.

“So since the levy didn’t pass and we still have this debt we have to pay, then we’re not going to be able to help as many animals as what our facility can hold,” Spatafore said.

“We’re going to have to possibly stop doing all the extra things that we do for them,” she continued. Some of these extra things would’ve included dental and blood work that the humane society does for the older animals, among other things.

“We weren’t asking the people of Marion County to pay off our loan, we were just asking for a little bit of help,” said Spatafore. “And we didn’t get it, and that’s sad.”

Spatafore added that the Marion County Humane Society plans to reevaluate and present this levy again in the next election cycle. She said that next time, they plan to put more information out and explain to people better what the levy is for.

She also said that she wants to thank the people in the community that supported the humane society, and stood behind them for this levy. Regarding anyone who voted against it, Spatafore encourages them to call the Marion County Humane Society to ask more questions about it.

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