By John Dobberstein, Editor
Voters handed a resounding defeat to Wagoner County government as eight sales tax propositions were rejected in Tuesday’s primary election.
None of the propositions – which critics said were rushed to the table and too expensive for most families — could muster more than 26% of the “yes” vote. Here’s how the voting ended with all 29 precincts reporting their results.
Proposition 1: Makes the existing 0.80% sales tax for county roads and bridges permanent to secure infrastructure funding.
Yes – 26%
No – 74%
Proposition 2: Making the receives 0.10% of the sales tax for operations for the Wagoner County Sheriff’s office permanent.
Yes – 21%
No – 79%
Proposition 3: Making permanent the 0.10% sales tax for countywide services, such as insurance costs, workers compensation and other general liability policies.
Yes – 16%
No – 84%
Proposition 4: Would have created a new county-wide ambulance authority by using 0.15% of the sales tax.
Yes – 16%
No – 84%
Proposition 5: New temporary sales tax to be used for rehabilitating the Wagoner County courthouse, as well as improving access to pedestrian parking.
Yes – 18%
No – 82%
Proposition 6: Establishing a new 0.25 sales tax levy to fund a county jail trust to help with jail functions and enhance stakeholder engagement, as well as repair or rehabilitate the structures of the jail for security of personnel.
Yes – 18%
No – 82%
Proposition 7: Creating a new funding mechanism to improve facilities at the Wagoner County Fairgrounds.
Yes – 18%
No – 82%
Proposition 8: Establishing a county lodging excise tax of 5% to bolster tourism programs and build and maintain public spaces and recreation.
Yes – 22% No – 78%
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