ASOTIN - Voters gave the green light to a permanent levy to fund Asotin County Fire District No. 1 during Tuesday's primary election.
The tally in favor of continuing emergency medical services and firefighting through the agency came in at 72 percent, with 1,723 yes votes. The no votes were at 679, or 28 percent.
"We're real happy with the community support," said Fire Chief Noel Hardin. "We sincerely appreciate it and will continue to be there when people need us. This gives us a solid foundation and allows us to do some long-term planning."
Approval of the ballot measure spells the end of the six-year election cycle and sets the annual levy ceiling at 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The cost for a home assessed at $200,000 will be $100 per year, or $8.33 per month.
Eliminating the need for future elections allows the fire district to focus its energies and finances on fighting fires and providing EMS, Hardin said.
Several other local election results were tabulated, including commissioner races in Asotin and Garfield counties.
The two candidates in a race for Asotin County District No. 2 are moving on to the general election in November. As of Tuesday, the commissioner contest appears to be neck and neck. Incumbent Jim Fuller, no party preference, received 713 votes or 50 percent and his challenger, Republican Chris Seubert, got 718 votes.
Voter turnout in Asotin County was at 27 percent, said Auditor Darla McKay, and about 800 ballots are left to count. More ballots are expected to arrive in the mail today, but no major shifts are expected.
Garfield County's turnout was at 38 percent, said Auditor Donna Deal, and about 25 ballots have yet to be counted.
In the two-way race for Commissioner District No. 1, incumbent Bob Johnson, a Republican, snagged 103 votes or 63 percent. His opponent, P. Ernest Kimble, no party preference, received 61 votes or 37 percent. Both candidates will appear on the November ballot.
Incumbent Wynne McCabe, no party preference, received 127 votes or 59 percent for the District No. 2 position. His challenger, R. Clay Barr, a Republican, got 87 votes or 41 percent.
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Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264. Follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.
