Posted Nov 6, 2018 at 12:01 AM
Updated Nov 6, 2018 at 11:22 PM
Whitehall City Schools can act on its plans to build an addition to Rosemore Middle School and replace natural grass with artificial turf at Whitehall-Yearling High School after voters Nov. 6 approved a 3.41-mill combined permanent-improvement levy and bond issue.
Issue 8 was Whitehall’s first ballot appearance since voters approved a bond issue in 2008.
According to final, unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections, voters approved Issue 8 by a tally of 2,885 votes to 1,849, or 61 to 39 percent.
Superintendent Brian Hamler said he is pleased voters agreed with the district’s assessment that the district was in dire need of additional classroom space.
“We appreciate the community’s confidence in us and their continued support ... voters approved (a levy) to give our children the educational spaces they deserve,” Hamler said after the issue’s passage.
The 3.41-mill issue will increase homeowners’ annual property-tax bills by $119 per $100,000 in property valuation. A district homeowner currently pays $1,364 annually per $100,000 of property valuation, according to district officials.
Hamler thanked the school board “for having the foresight” to present the issue to voters and the proponents who lobbied in behalf of the levy.
“I couldn’t be more pleased and proud of the results,” he said. “When the schools win, we all win.”
Charter amendments approvedWhitehall elected officials will have the ability to serve three consecutive terms after voters’ approval of a charter amendment Nov. 6.
Via Issue 37, voters were asked to increase the limit of two consecutive terms to three.
According to final, unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections, voters approved Issue 37 with a vote of 2,499 to 2,191, or 53 to 47 percent.
“I am very thankful that the voters of Whitehall had the insight and vision to move this initiative forward and extend the progress,” said Tom Potter, a proponent of Issue 37 and a former Whitehall council member.
Voters twice have rejected lifting term limits outright, in 2013 and 2002.
Term limits were instituted in 1993 for the mayor, auditor, law director, council president and members of council, gaining voter approval after the death of John Bishop, who died in office after serving as mayor from 1972-93.
Two other charter amendments were approved Nov. 6.
Issue 36 removes the service director from the line of succession for the mayor’s seat. The issue passed with a vote of 2,810 to 1,781, or 61 to 39 percent, according to final, unofficial results from the board of elections.
Issue 38 replaces gender-specific pronouns in the city charter with gender-neutral ones. The issue passed with a vote of 2,609 to 2,051, or 56 to 44 percent.
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By KEVIN CORVO
THISWEEKNEWS.COM