For the second time in less than six months, Union County residents voted down a Fairbanks tax levy.
Following Tuesday’s primary election, the school’s district’s ballot measure failed with 1,260 votes, or 55%, against it and 1,019, or 44%, for it.
Fairbanks also spills over into Madison County where residents in those precincts also voted it down, 65-41.
Superintendent Adham Schirg said while the defeat is not the best news, the district can still move forward with some of its plans for facility work with what has already been approved.
“I appreciate the feedback the community has given us. The information still provides us a roadmap and a foundation for going forward,” he said. “In November, we changed the permanent improvement levy to continuing so that will help take us into phase two.”
Schirg said the district will still be able to make progress on the campus while the board figures out what the next steps are.
Last May, the board of education decided to put the combined .25% income and 1.84-mill property tax on the November ballot along with making its existing levy continuing.
The move comes as the district looks to renovate its current buildings and use the tax money generated to go toward facility needs. Phase one, which includes work to the elementary building, was set to be paid using existing funds, while updates to the middle and high school required the two taxes brought forth last year.
Passage of the permanent improvement levy will allow school officials to finance $11 million against it so the first part of phase two can still start.
Those funds will be used for system replacements such as HVAC and electrical, capacity issues and security, Schirg said.
Without the combined levy, the district won’t be able generate $23 million that would complete renovations of the middle and high school, add 19,000 square feet to the front of the building, a 12,000 square foot multi-purpose gymnasium and other general infrastructure updates around the campus.
Schirg sent out an email to the community following Tuesday’s election, saying the district will continue to work toward meeting facility needs.
“This has been a three-year process that has included students, teachers, support staff, administrators, board members, parents and members of our community. The needs shared over the last several years have not changed,” he said. “We will continue working with our community to develop solutions for the short, intermediate and long term needs of Fairbanks Local Schools.”
Although there is no plan set to meet with the community, Schirg said there will be plenty of opportunities for additional community input.
“Strong school systems are a reflection of strong communities,” he said. “Fairbanks is a strong school system in a strong community. We have a deep history of caring for and supporting each other. I look forward to continuing to build our shared future together.”
There was better news for the Village of Richwood on Tuesday.
Voters approved the renewal of the 3.2-mill operating levy for five years in a 205-131 decision, something they voted against in November.
Funds generated from that levy go toward village operations, contributing nearly $80,000 to the general fund.
Operations paid out of the general fund include the Richwood Police Department, council salary, village administration, the clerk/treasurer’s salaries and legal council.
“I would just like to thank everyone that voted for the levy,” said Mayor Scott Jerew. “And let (the residents) know that we will continue to use their tax money wisely.”
The Marysville Public Library levy on the other hand was defeated 3,174-3,126. Director Nieca Nowels said the library is disappointed, but doesn’t anticipate changes coming anytime soon.
“For now, the Marysville Public Library will follow through with programs and activities we have planned and will continue to provide service to our community,” she said. “I will discuss our plans moving forward with the board, but I think you can safely assume we will be on the ballot again in November.”
Also on Tuesday, Claibourne Township’s decreased 1.15-mill replacement levy, generating an estimated $124,000 annually, passed with a 408-246 vote.