Ballot measures uncertain after early count

by ERIC WELCH
Staff Writer | November 6, 2024 1:00 AM

With ballots left to be counted at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Bonner County voters were split on a trio of local measures.

West Bonner County School District supplemental levy

At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, the West Bonner County School District one-year supplemental levy had 48.64% in favor and 51.36% against with 2,572 votes counted.

If a simple majority of voters approve it, the measure will pass. The $1.13 million levy is WBCSD’s third attempt in two years to gain funds to support its operations; both prior levies exceeded $4.5 million and failed in May 2023 and May 2024 votes.

The current levy earmarks $395,300 to fund extracurricular and cocurricular activities, along with $360,900 for the purchase of two new buses and $100,000 for the district’s child nutrition program.

According to the resolution, an approved levy would cost district residents $23 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value per year for a one-year duration.

Sandpoint local option sales tax

At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Sandpoint local option sales tax had 51.32% in favor and 48.68% against with 2,385 votes counted.

A 60% majority vote is required for the measure to pass. The proposed 1% tax on the sale of goods was brought forth by Sandpoint City Council to fund roadwork and pathway and alleyway improvements in the city.

The proposed ordinance has a duration of 25 years; if approved, the tax will expire at the end of 2049 unless voters amend the timeline in the future.

Ponderay local option sales tax

At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Ponderay local option sales tax had 57.71% in favor and 42.29% against with 227 votes counted.

The ordinance needs a 60% majority vote to pass. Ponderay City Council introduced the measure to replace an existing 1% sales tax set to expire at the end of 2024.

If approved, the tax will last 10 years and fund Ponderay’s Lakeshore Connection and Field of Dreams projects along with street and stormwater maintenance. Like Ponderay’s prior sales tax, the proposed ordinance includes an exemption for sales exceeding $999.