Utility bond issues passes, nursing home tax fails

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Local voters approved a no-tax bond issue to help fund Palmyra utility projects, but could not help push the Maple Lawn property tax issue to victory during last Tuesday’s General Municipal Election.

In addition voters elected Palmyra R-I and Marion County R-II school board members, decided a race for city council and approved city and county sales taxes on recreational marijuana.

According to certified results, Palmyra voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 2, a $15 million no-tax bond issue, by a vote of 653 (84 percent) to 127 (16 percent).

The bond issue will help fund sewer and water projects in Palmyra.

And while Palmyra voters were in favor of Proposition A, a 22-cent property tax increase to fund operation of Maple Lawn Nursing Home, by a vote of 545 (57 percent) to 410 (43 percent), it did not overcome the overall vote throughout Marion County where it failed by 2,261 no (54 percent) to 1,955 yes (46 percent) vote.

Proponents indicated the increase was needed in order to maintain the nursing home’s independence and viability for the

 

future.

Proposition A was approved in only six precincts, including Palmyra, South River/West Ely, Fabius-Smileyville, Fabius-Taylor and Hannibal-Second Ward Assembly of God, as well as in absentee.

Voters in the Palmyra R-I School District elected Jeff Weaver (801 votes, 17.45 percent), Doug Meyers (700 votes, 15.25 percent) and Leisa Hinkle (675 votes, 14.71 percent to the school board.

Other candidates were Kevin Hillman (561 votes, 12.22 percent), Amber Gottman (559 votes, 12.18 percent), Chris Turner (556 votes, 12.12 perecent), Danielle Heimer (495 votes, 10.79 percent), and Beau Hicks (242 votes, 5.27 percent).

Winning seats on the R-II board were Aaron Zook (188 votes, 33.10 percent), Michael Lauber (149 votes, 26.23 percent) and Todd Goldinger (146 votes, 25.70 percent). Ashanti Anderson lost with 85 votes, 14.98 percent.

In the only race for Palmyra City Council, Steve J. Bland defeated Jim Church, 131-85 in Ward 2.

Mayor Rusty Adrian, and council members Brock Fahy (Ward 1) and Pam Behring (Ward 3) had no opposition for reelection.

Palmyra’s recreational marijuana sales tax passed easily, 565-216, as did the county’s, 2,928-1290.