Wheeling Township efficiently provides superior services
With transparency high on the list for everyone today, Wheeling Township is financially strong, and a model of government efficiency that continues to provide critical services and funds for its residents in need. Wheeling Township unfailingly demonstrates dedication to its motto: “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
The township has not increased the levied amount of residents’ property taxes that fund township services for the last nine out of 11 years. Keeping the tax levies flat, along with responsibly maintaining the legal levels of “rainy day funds,” Wheeling Township’s reserve balances are within their legal limits and at the levels recommended by the township’s auditors. This was supported by a 2024 government efficiency study Wheeling Township participated in to ensure that it was providing services at its highest level of efficiency and avoiding the unnecessary duplication of services.
Mental Health Services: Wheeling Township continues to provide critical funding and services for its residents with mental health needs. For decades, the township has been providing funding support through local agency grants (more than $7 million between 2014-24) to ensure that township residents have access to a variety of community mental health services. In 2024, the township’s Community Mental Health Board completed a Needs Assessment and as a result, requested funding from the Township Board for 2025. The Township Board fully funded the Mental Health Board’s recommendations for new funding dollars to supplement and support additional mental health resources for the community. The Township Board also increased funding levels for township-funded local agencies that were already providing mental health resources for Wheeling Township residents.
Bus Transportation for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities: The township’s premier service — its Transportation Program — has provided a reassuring link to independence for the township’s seniors and permanently disabled persons for more than 40 years. It operates at the highest level of efficiency while consistently increasing service levels. In addition to owning several buses — and having funding earmarked to support the purchase of at least one new vehicle in 2025 — the township partners with PACE to lease additional buses. Providing more than 20,000 rides annually, the township’s goal has always been to help seniors and permanently disabled persons remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible, with dignity and grace. Reliable, safe transportation allows them to do that.
Food Pantry: For more than 55 years, the township’s food pantry has been positively impacting the local community. For the last 13 years, residents have been able to use a “Client Choice” model, which allows them to choose the items that are needed for their households. Operating entirely on donations — with no tax dollars being used — the pantry’s mission and vision are to support township individuals and families who are financially challenged by offering food and supplies to help lighten their burden. With consistently rising consumer prices, many township residents are experiencing these challenges, and the food pantry helps to provide a helpful and convenient way to obtain supplementary nutrition, and access to foods they otherwise could not afford.
Financial Assistance: All townships are required by state statute to provide what’s known as General Assistance. This vital program is in place to offer a basic maintenance needs grant to individuals who are not eligible for state or federal welfare programs, and who meet both financial and nonfinancial criteria. In the last four years, Wheeling Township’s GA caseload has increased by 58%. Emergency Assistance is an optional program also governed by state statute, which helps to alleviate life-threatening circumstances such as eviction or utility disconnection. Wheeling Township’s EA caseload has increased by 75% in the last four years. The township’s ability to rapidly respond to the increasing financial needs of its residents is one of the primary reasons ‘rainy day’ reserves are so important.
Through its dedication to providing services to residents, whether by helping them maintain their independence, sustain their health, or by offering critical assistance during times of need, Wheeling Township continues to make a significant difference in the community, as it has since 1850. For more information, visit wheelingtownship.com.