Berkeley County commissioners on June 3 agreed to postpone action on a request to place an excess levy for parks and recreation on a future ballot, after Parks and Recreation director Joe Burton outlined operating shortfalls, deferred maintenance and an ask for a sustainable revenue stream.

Burton asked the commission for authority to pursue an excess levy that he said could generate roughly $6.5 million a year to stabilize operations, address deferred maintenance and support additions such as improved facilities and staffing. As an illustrative example, Burton said a home with an approximate market value of $300,000 would pay about $10 a month — "a hundred and $20 a year" — under his rough estimate of a levy to raise that level of funding.

Burton said Parks and Recreation's operating deficit is roughly $1 million a year and that deferred maintenance totals about $4 million; he separated those operational needs from larger capital projects he placed at about $55 million, which he said would be addressed by impact fees and other sources. He told commissioners that the levy would be placed before voters and that a successful excess levy requires a 60% supermajority to pass in the county.

Commissioners asked for time to review the proposal, obtain more precise legal and fiscal calculations and consider timing. Concerns discussed included: the five-year renewable nature of an excess levy, the need for clarity on how funds would be used, and whether including multiple agencies on a single levy (a strategy used elsewhere in West Virginia) would improve chances of passage. A motion to table the request until the commission could act as a full five-member body and review additional information passed on voice vote.

Public comment included support from residents and stakeholders. Realtor Nadine Kennedy, who said she works frequently with homebuyers in Berkeley and Jefferson counties, told the commission she and many residents support more parks and amenities. City officials and former park board members also urged the county to secure sustainable funding.

Why it matters: Burton told commissioners he wants a predictable local funding source to maintain and improve parks as county population and usage grow. Commissioners said additional time is needed to refine the levy amount, legal framework and campaign timeline; Burton said a May 2026 ballot would be preferable if the commission moves forward so staff and supporters would have about 11 months to prepare.

What happens next: The commission tabled the request for further review and asked for a return date when all commissioners are present, and for more detailed revenue projections from the assessor's office and legal counsel.