Several Utah communities will get new schools and health or community-services facilities as a result of bond-issue votes. Voters turned down proposals for school buildings or improvements in some districts, but most of the many initiatives on the November ballot won voter approval.
The bond-issue results are:Richfield: One of the election's squeakers occurred in Richfield, where a $2 million bond issue for expansion of the city golf course failed by two votes. Mayor Paul Lyman said he will ask for a recount before the official canvass next Tuesday. The unofficial count was 789 against the bond issue, 787 for.
Emigration Canyon Improvement District: A surprise result emerged from a $3 million bond effort in the district as organized opposition killed the issue in the final days before the election. The money would have created a nine-mile water system to serve canyon residents.
The opposition group believes there is a better way to resolve the problem.
A recent Dan Jones poll showed 70 percent in favor of the initiative, but Tuesday 55 percent of the voters turned thumbs down. A citizen group launched an intensive campaign to sink the issue and succeeded, said Fred Smolka. The vote was 272 against the bond, 218 for.
Sandy: Sandy residents told city officials they want street lights, preferably right now.
In answer to a non-binding question, more than 55 percent of the voters said they are willing to pay a surcharge on their monthly utility bill to finance installation of street lights throughout the city. The vote was 5,445 in support of lights, 4,362 against.
An even greater majority said they would pay $5 per month for five years to fund the project rather than pay less over a seven- or nine-year period.
Mayor Tom Dolan said the City Council will consider the results in deciding whether to move forward with plans to install more than 2,300 street lights, covering the entire city, at a cost of about $5.6 million. Sandy already has about 1,200 street lights.
South Salt Lake: City officials received the nod from voters to consider annexations. The vote was 734 in favor, 576 against. City officials may or may not consider annexations, but the positive vote is an indication of citizen support, if the opportunity arises.
"People at least want to have us look at it," said Mayor Randy Fitts. "I don't think we've sat down and really analyzed what, when and how."
Alan Urie, a member of the Planning Commission, was an election judge Tuesday and said he saw a lot of confusion about the question, which is similar to a poll question.
A pamphlet distributed in the community before the election helped to confuse the issue, said Wes Losser, the only council member who was disappointed with the vote. He blamed, at least partially, the flier Urie helped develop.
Cache School District: By 76 votes, the school district lost its bid for a $16 million bond issue. The vote - 3,846 against and 3,770 for - dashed the hopes of district officials to build two middle schools and make improvements at other schools, said Dale Hansen, business administrator.
The bond issue would have added $41 per year to the tax burden on a $100,000 house.
Box Elder School District: Superintendent Steven O. Laing predicted cuts in programs and increases in class sizes as voters turned down a proposed tax increase that would have added $22 annually to the tax bill on a $100,000 home.
The district wanted the money to staff two new schools for sixth- and seventh-graders. One has opened, the second was to open next fall, but failure of the tax increase will mean other programs will have to be trimmed to staff the new school, Laing said.
With the Willard district missing, the vote was 4,158 against and 2,786 for.
Juab School District: Voters approved, by a 987-707 margin, a $12 million bond to construct a new high school in Nephi. The construction will free up space for middle and elementary school students as well.
The bond will add $120 per year to the taxes on a $100,000 home, said Superintendent Kirk Wright. The new school should be complete for occupation in the fall of 1997.
Wasatch School District: Passage of an $11.7 million school bond issue by a healthy 1,595-660 majority will allow the school district to build a new elementary school, add classrooms at Midway Elementary and upgrade the high school in Heber City.
The district also will purchase an additional 10 acres to supplement a 10-acre site it owns for future school construction.
The bond will cost homeowners approximately $81 per year on each $100,000 of assessed value, said Superintendent Henry Jolley.
Brigham City: Voters approved a $2.8 million bond to build a swimming pool. The vote was 2,127 in favor, 1,290 against. The money will pay for locker rooms and amenities as well as a pool. The bond will add $28 per year to the tax bill on each $100,000 in assessed value.
North Sanpete School District: School officials were frustrated as voters opted, 1,051 to 819, to refuse to allow the district to shift taxes from the basic school budget in order to improve media centers and add technology. The proposal would not have increased taxes.
"They just have a thing about taxes. Apparently, we didn't explain things well enough," said Superintendent Dennis Mower. The shift would have allowed the district to collect an additional $120,000 in state guarantee money.
Kane County: Voters authorized county commissioners to bond $6 million to acquire land, assist with construction costs and equip a new county hospital. The vote was 723 in favor, 468 against.
Santa Clara: Citizens in this small Washington County community want a new fire station. They voted 514-267 to authorize city officials to bond $450,000 for the construction.
Garfield School District: Voters approved a $7.6 million bond issue to build a new elementary school in Boulder and a high school in Tropic and add classrooms and an auditorium at Escalante High School. Panguitch High School also will get a second gymnasium. The vote was 434 in favor and 150 against.
Hurricane City: The community's new elementary school will have sidewalks, curbs and gutters as voters approved a $450,000 bond issue by a 639-412 margin.