PORT TOWNSEND— Voters have defeated a bond issue that would have funded $8.4 million of the $9 million needed for proposed library expansion.
Those rejecting the measure cast 4,059 votes, or 54.46 percent, while supporters cast 3,394 votes, or 42.14 percent.
A supermajority — 60 percent plus one vote — would have been needed to pass the measure.
“We got eaten up,” said Library Director Ray Serebrin, after he and Meredith Wagner, associate director, received the results.
“We won’t come back from this [Tuesday night’s results].”
If it had been approved, the measure would have raised property taxes by $44 per year for 20 years for a house valued at $250,000, which is the average home value for the library district.
It would have been used to renovate and expand the main library in Port Hadlock, adding 9,700 square feet to the existing 10,000-square-foot building, which will also have undergone considerable renovations.
Serebrin said he was shocked at the results and felt a poor economy contributed to the defeat.
He said the issues that prompted the measure still exist.
“We are still overcrowded and have a need to expand services,” he said.
“I will be meeting with the board so we can explore what other options we have.”
Davis Steelquist of Quilcene had opposed the measure, saying in July that the library needed upgrades but that he didn’t approve of the process.
“I think they should do their research first and find out how much it will cost, then bring that plan to the voters,” he said.
The total number of ballots counted Tuesday — which included ballots for a Port Townsend City Council race — were 9,901, or 45.36 percent, out of 21,827 issued, said Karen Cartmel, chief deputy auditor and elections coordinator.
She said her office had none left on hand but expected to receive some 600 ballots either through the mail or from the Jefferson County Library and Jefferson County Courthouse drop boxes this morning.
The next count of ballots will be at about noon Friday.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.