Eureka residents overwhelming approved Proposition E, a 1/2-cent sales tax for public safety on Tuesday (April 3). In addition two new members were elected to the Board of Aldermen, and an incumbent was re-elected.
Prop E passed with 1,371 yes votes, or 70.6 percent in favor, to 571 votes, or 29.40 percent, against. A simple majority was needed to pass the measure, which increases the city’s sale tax from 8.613 cents per $1 to 9.113.
Revenue from the 1/2-cent sales tax will be used to build a new police facility, replace the crumbling Allenton Bridge and facilitate short- and long-term flood prevention and mitigation efforts, city officials said.
“I’m ecstatic,” Mayor Kevin Coffey said Wednesday (April 4). “It just shows what our city is made of and how forward looking our residents are. We thank everyone for their support and confidence in us and recognition of the needs we have in Eureka.”
The sales tax will be collected starting in October, and the city will begin receiving funds from the tax in January 2019. There is a 20-year sunset on the tax, meaning it will stop being collected after 2038, and the tax is expected to generate $15.9 million over that span, according to city officials.
Task forces will be formed to work on the three projects and advise the city on how to complete its goals.
The Board of Aldermen voted 5-1 Feb. 20 to allocate no more than $8 million to build a new police facility, $6 million toward replacing Allenton Bridge and $2 million for flood prevention measures.
“We will be engaged in numerous planning and analysis efforts, so that we are in position to move forward as quickly as possible with all three priorities,” said City Administrator Craig Sabo.
He also said the city will regularly update residents about the progress of each project at board meetings and through the city’s website and Facebook page.
In contested races for the Board of Aldermen, Bob Berry was re-elected to represent Ward 1, defeating challenger Keith Messmer. Berry received 458 votes, or 57.83 percent, and Messmer got 330 votes, or 41.67 percent.
In Ward 2, Bryan Kiefer beat Lisa Smith, receiving 209 votes, or 51.48 percent, to her 195 votes, or 48.03 percent. Former Ward 2 Alderwoman Marilyn Leistner did not to run for another term.
Jerry Holloway also was elected to the board, running unopposed for the Ward 3 seat. Don Beckerle, the previous Ward 3 alderman, also didn’t seek another term.
The following are the unofficial election results (Winners are in bold):
■ Proposition E, a 1/2-cent sales tax for public safety; simple majority required.
YES – 1,371 (70.6%); NO – 571 (29.4%)
■ Ward 1
Robert A. Berry – 458 (57.83%); Keith Messmer – 330 (41.67%); Write-in – 4 (0.51%)
■ Ward 2
Bryan Kiefer – 209 (51.48%); Lisa Smith – 195 (48.03%); Write-in – 2 (0.49%)
■ Ward 3
Jerry Holloway – 627 (96.61%); Write-in 22 (3.39%)