Iron County Voters Not In A Mood To Raise Taxes

Iron County voters apparently were not much in the mood to see an increase in property tax obligations. Based on unofficial, preliminary results released Tuesday evening county residents have turned back bond issues from the Iron County Commission and the Iron County School Board.

The Iron County Special Bond that would have provided funding for a new correctional facility looks to be soundly defeated with 63.56% percent of the votes being against the bond with only 36.44% of the votes in favor of the bond.

Things aren't as clear cut for the bond issue proposed by the Iron County School District. 50.53% of votes counted to this point are against the bond, while 49.47% are in favor of the bond. In real numbers only 108 votes separate those against the bond to those for the bond. Should the vote change, and the bond pass, it would provide funding for a new elementary school, make improvements at Canyon View High School, provide facilities for alternative education programs, among other improvements.

One tax related issue was passed in the county. Cedar City voters approved extending the RAP tax, with 62.27% voters saying to continue the 0.1% tax used to fund recreation, arts and parks as defined by state law.

In city council race across the county some will have new council members while others will see familiar faces.

In the Cedar City Council race, incumbent Tyler Melling captured the highest number of votes with 20.66%. He was followed by Robert Cox who had 18.70%. Carter Wilkey is holding the third spot with 17.99% of the vote. Brittany Fisher is behind Wilkey with 17.19% of the ballots. While Melling appears likely to have a second term, there are only a total of 206 votes separating the next three candidates.

In the Enoch City Council contest, Shawn Stoor garnered 25.69% of the vote, David Harris received 22.59% and Debra Ley received 20.88%.

The city council race in Parowan is little more interesting. John Dean is on top with 23.23% of the counted vote. David M Harris is next highest with 21.88%. But there is a tie for third place with David Burton and Jessica Smith both sitting with 18.99% with both having 466 votes.

In the special election for the U.S. Congressional District 2 seat, Iron County overwhelmingly threw its support to Republican Celeste Malloy, giving her 73.85% of the vote.

Based on the number of ballots counted so far, Iron County has a 36.74% voter turnout for this election.