School bonds receive mixed outcomes at special elections across Nebraska

While Nebraska didn’t have any statewide elections on Tuesday, there were 11 special elections across the state.

School bonds had a relatively successful election overall, with voters in the Wausa, Logan View, Sterling and Minden school districts approving tax increases to construct new school buildings and improve athletic facilities.

A $2.15 million bond to improve the Wausa Public Schools’ sports complex, including a new track, was approved with around 60% of the vote. In the Logan View school district, a $21.5 million bond election to renovate and construct district facilities narrowly passed, with 501 votes in favor and 470 against the proposal. The Sterling school district’s proposed $17.5 million bond for an elementary school addition and renovations also passed narrowly, 305-261.

According to unofficial results, the Minden Public Schools bond measure had the closest election, with 813 votes in favor and 796 against a $27,285,000 bond to build a new elementary school without adding to the current tax levy by using funds levied through the Special Building Fund.

In the Ashland-Greenwood school district, voters approved an override of the district’s property tax levy. The request needed 60% approval from voters and received nearly 62%, according to unofficial results.

However, in Columbus and Stanton, voters rejected bonds aimed at funding construction for new buildings. Columbus Public Schools proposed a $43.65 million bond to fund the construction of an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade students, which only received around 40% of the vote. Stanton’s $28 million bond for constructing a new gym and school was narrowly defeated, 405-438.

A proposed 1.5% sales and use tax in the village of Fairmont was rejected 82-68, while Crete voters approved the continuation of an economic development program and an additional 0.5% sales and use tax to fund it.

Morrill County Assessor Rose Nelson, Valley Mayor Cindy Grove and Valley City Council President John Batcher were also recalled Tuesday.