ASOTIN — The city of Asotin’s latest attempt at a levy lid lift to help fund police, fire, parks and city services was torpedoed by voters Tuesday night.
The ballot proposal received 251 no votes, or 62 percent, and 156 yes votes, or 38 percent.
Mayor Vikki Bonfield said the outcome translates into “dire consequences” for the city’s budget. The levy lid lift would’ve brought in an additional $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in the small community.
“The bottom line is I understand why people voted against raising taxes,” Bonfield said. “I hope they will be equally understanding when they don’t have the same level of city services.”
In the city of Clarkston, voters gave the green light to another year of ambulance service provided by the Clarkston Fire Department.
Property owners will pay $1.45 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for emergency medical services, which is a dime more than the current amount collected. The levy passed with 1,158 yes votes (67 percent) and 582 no votes (33 percent.)
Clarkston Fire Chief Steve Cooper said the money covers the salaries of six paramedics, equipment, supplies, fuel and a portion of the wages paid to him and an administrative assistant.
“The passage of the EMS levy is critical to providing ambulance service in the city of Clarkston,” Cooper said Tuesday night. “We really appreciate residents giving us a passing report card and their confidence in the services we provide.”
The only contested races in Asotin County were for Public Utility District Commission seats, and both incumbents retained their seats.
In the No. 2 position, incumbent Don Nuxoll, a longtime builder, was challenged by Stephen Becker, who oversees the Asotin County Regional Landfill. Nuxoll received 3,276 votes (56 percent) compared to 2,506 (43 percent) for Becker.
The No. 3 position was a contest between Janet Hicks, whose late husband helped form the PUD in 1984, and incumbent Greg McCall, a retired pharmacist. McCall received 3,306 votes (57 percent) and Hicks garnered 2,509 (43 percent.)
Asotin County Auditor Darla McKay said voter turnout was at 51 percent Tuesday night. More ballots are expected to arrive in the mail today and another count will be conducted Friday.
Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264. Follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.
