Oklahoma voters approve, reject bond issues

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Voters in Logan County narrowly rejected a bond issue that would've funded a new jail, while Garber residents proved the adage that every vote counts. <br/><br/>The 96-year-old

Wednesday, August 25th 2004, 6:30 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Voters in Logan County narrowly rejected a bond issue that would've funded a new jail, while Garber residents proved the adage that every vote counts.

The 96-year-old Logan County jail, which state Jail Inspector Don Garrison has threatened to close, will have to wait to be replaced, Sheriff Randy Richardson said Tuesday night.

Proposition 2, which would have raised the county sales tax by a half cent to fund a new county jail, was narrowly defeated, 2,862, or 49.4 percent, to 2,928, or 50.6 percent.

The other proposition, to cut in half the 1-cent sales tax for Logan Hospital and Medical Center, failed 2,118, or 36.4 percent, to 3,701, or 63.6 percent.

The jail will continue running while county commissioners regroup to find another solution to the jail problem, Richardson said.

In Garber, school patrons approved two bond issues for construction and new buses. Both issues _ totaling $600,000 _ had to be approved by at least 60 percent of the vote.

A $440,000 construction and equipment issue just made the 60 percent gaining 189 yes votes to and 126 no. One less vote for the issue would have meant its defeat.

A $160,000 transportation issue was approved 206 to 110, or 65 percent in favor.

``Once again, the Garber patrons have shown their support for the school and want to see us continue to make improvements,'' Superintendent Jim Lamer said.

Minco voters approved a 2 percent increase in the city sales tax by a 187 (74.8 percent) to 63 vote (25.2 percent).

Mayor Doug Denard said the increase could generate $120,000 annually for city operations, street repair and parks projects. The sales tax will increase from 6.75 percent to 8.75 percent.

A $12.5 million bond issue in Yukon passed 1,708 (85.7 percent) to 285 (14.3 percent).

Superintendent Bill Spaeth said the outcome shows residents support education and the job Yukon schools are doing.