PERRYVILLE FAVORS WATER PROPOSALS

PERRYVILLE -- Voters approved two proposals to fund an $8.8 million upgrade of the city water system.

The votes, which each required four-sevenths majorities for passage, will allow for the construction of a new water treatment plant, wells and the replacement and expansion of existing water lines.

Supporters said Perryville's water system is operating at near capacity and needs to be updated to support future growth. Passage of both proposals was needed for the project to go forward.

In countywide voting to fill the open seat of Perry County presiding commissioner, Republican Thomas Sutterer of Perryville defeated independent Keith McCrary, also of Perryville, 3,316-1,039.

Sutterer is a former member of the Perryville City Council.

Concerning the Perryville water system improvement votes, Proposition 1 passed 1,135-632, or 64.2 percent in favor, while 63.2 percent of voters approved Proposition 2 by a vote of 1,106-644.

Under Proposition 1, voters increased the debt service levy on Perryville's property tax by 25 cents, putting the city's total property tax levy at 72 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The increase will raise $4.1 million.

Proposition 2 will add a 3/8-cent sales tax projected to raise $4.75 million.