SCOTT CITY VOTERS SAY YES TO STREET SALES TAX

SCOTT CITY -- City officials asked residents to "Save Our Streets" by approving a sales tax increase Tuesday. And the S.O.S. call was answered by a 2-1 margin in favor of the measure.

"Obviously the people who wanted to save the streets came out," said Scott City Mayor Larry Forhan, adding that nice weather also helped draw voters to the polls.

The half-cent sales tax increase was approved 355-162.

Violet Wallace is a voter who favored the sales tax increase but she was uncertain if the money would actually be used for street improvements.

"I'm in favor if they use it for that," she said, adding that she studied the issue before voting.

The half-cent sales tax increase will generate about $110,000 annually. The money will be used strictly for street improvements like paving gravel streets and repairing potholes, city officials say.

Two hours before the polls closed Tuesday, almost 500 people had already voted.

The special election was unanimously approved by the council in August. Election judge Martha Elliott was surprised at the high voter turnout, especially for a special election.

"It's better than I thought it would be since there's only one thing to vote on," she said.

About 2,000 people are registered to vote in Scott City.

Forhan said the next thing the council will do with the help of a citizens committee is rank the streets slated for repair.

"The council and I thank the people of Scott City for making this investment in the future of the streets," he said.