Scott County election turnout very light

BENTON, Mo. -- A lot of people apparently didn't think Tuesday's elections were so special -- at least not special enough to cast a ballot. Turn-out was light, election officials reported Wednesday.

In Scott County, Morley voters renewed the city sales tax and the Chaffee School District approved a $500,000 general obligation bond issue.

The half-cent sales tax was renewed for another five years in Morley with 36 voting for the tax and 13 voting against it.

Chaffee's bond issue --passed with 114 for the issue and 37 opposed -- will pay for buildings, improvements, furnishings and equipment leased by the district and allow the district, with some refinancing, to maintain its existing debt service levy of 85 cents with no increase to the levy while freeing up some money for operations.

Two New Madrid County communities had ballot issues.

In Marston, residents decided to impose a "bed tax" on guests who stay at the local hotel. There were 49 votes in favor of the issue and 12 no votes cast Tuesday.

Under the proposal the city of Marston can impose a tax of not more than 5 percent per occupied room per night on the charges for all rooms paid by guests of the local motels in Marston. There are two hotels in Marston, the 61-room Cottonboll Inn and Super Eight Motel, which has 63 rooms.

Portageville residents narrowly defeated a ballot issue which would have allowed the city to issue $2,300,000 in revenue bonds. Portage 1 precinct voters opposed the issue with 60 no votes to 42 yes votes while residents in Portage 2 cast 74 yes votes compared to 60 no votes for a total of 120 no votes to 116 yes votes.

The city had planned to replace the current water storage tank, install a new well and replace water lines in the community. Repayment of the bonds would have been by users of the system.

Election results are unofficial.