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The board has reached its levying capacity for the upcoming fiscal years, budgeting for a total of $30,528,234 for its entire excess levy.

Of this excess levy, $1,373,771 is dedicated to the Cabell County Public Library to be used at its discretion. Another $200,000 is dedicated to supporting the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District with the exception of the three parks the entity operates in Wayne County.

The proposed amounts for the parks and libraries would the remain the same throughout fiscal years 2026 through 2030, unlike in previous years when the two entities received annual equalization checks based on assessed property values. The amounts are also less than the previous excess levy call, which included around $1.4 million for the libraries and over $450,000 for the parks without exception.

According to the website, of the remainder of the levy, $542,112 is earmarked for school safety including school resource officers, security guards, cameras, alarm systems, emergency communications and other safety resources. Facilities maintenance and equipment, including construction, building repair, new furniture, equipment, vehicles, insurance and other items are meant to receive $4,610,744.

All costs associated with athletics programs at the schools, including coach salaries, will receive a budget of $836,808 from the excess levy call, and summer programming will receive $551,375.

Although Cabell County Schools no longer employs its own librarians in elementary schools, $2,082,924 has been budgeted in the excess levy call for instructional support and other costs associated with the school libraries, including but not limited to books, software and supplies.

The excess levy call also includes $200,000 for cybersafety and device security and $215,500 for school playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces, including equipment, outdoor playgrounds and landscaping.

The two largest expenses on the budget for the excess levy call include $3,120,530 for the career and technical education and workforce development staff, equipment, supplies and other expenses and $16,794,470 for employee salaries and benefits.

If the boardòòò½ÊÓƵ™s excess levy is voted down in the primary election, the board will have another chance to place it on the ballot for the general election on Nov. 5.