Ford County votes against school funding proposition, Gibson City passes sales tax increase for new pool
FORD COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — On Election Night Tuesday, it was a tale of two propositions in Ford County. The voters were split as one passed and one failed.
The countywide vote to add a new 1% tax to Ford County for schools did not go over well. Preliminary updates from the Ford County Clerk show the proposal lost with 1,531 voters (or 55.8%) of voters saying no, versus 1,211 voters (or 44.2%) saying yes.
The proposal being shut down means GCMS, PBL and the Tri-Point School Districts will have to come up with other ways to fund their changes.
In a previous interview with WCIA, Jeremy Darnell, the superintendent for Gibson City Middle School, said what he wanted the most was feedback from the public on how to move forward, regardless of the outcome.
Sen. Bennett honored at Gibson City Fire Department
Citizens of Gibson City voted for a 1% sales tax increase for infrastructure updates and funding a pool. According to preliminary results, 457 people (or 57%) voted yes, compared to 350 (or 43%) voting no.
Gibson City mayor Dan Dickey released a statement thanking voters for passing the measure.
“Our pool is an important part of our community and has benefited many over the years. I appreciate the residents of Gibson City and their willingness to pay it forward,” the mayor said. “I also want to assure everyone that we will continue to focus on drainage and other infrastructure improvements as we move forward. Gibson City is a great community and I love being a part of it. Thanks to all who worked very hard to help our community move forward towards making the new pool a reality.”
The city council voted unanimously to put the referendum on the ballot at a meeting in December.
Full election results for Central Illinois can be viewed here.
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