SIDNEY — Sidney City Schools Superintendent Bob Humble is batting 100 percent.
Voters in the Sidney City Schools gave a thumbs up to the renewal of a 9.23 mill emergency property tax levy Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the polls.
The unoffical total for the levy was 5,125 votes for and 3,201 votes against the levy. The vote will be certified on Nov. 19.
“I’m very happy,” said Humble after the last precinct results were received. “I’m 100 percent for passing levies for Sidney. And I’m five of six in passing levies overall.”
Humble said he was hoping the levy renewal would be successful.
“I was hoping it would pass that way,” he said of the 61.55 percent for the levy and 38.45 percent against the levy. “I didn’t hear much negative comments about the levy.
“I’d like to thank everyone in Sidney for supporting Sidney City Schools,” he said. “We need to keep up the good work since they (residents) have shown their confidence in us.”
A total of 18,554 people cast their votes in the election. A total of 4,546 people cast absentee ballots. The number of provisional ballots was not available at presstime.
“In 2014, which is a comparable election, 2,834 absentee ballots were returned,” said Shelby County Board of Elections Chairman Chris Gibbs. “All of the absentee ballots will be counted with each precinct.”
Humble said he was amazed at the number of absentee ballots cast.
“That’s a ton in early voting,” said Humble.
The renewal levy will generate $4,417,364 for the district’s general fund. General operating funds, said Treasurer Mike Watkins, are used for salaries, benefits, utilities, supplies, capitalpurchases, technology and other expenses associated with district operations. A portion of thefunds is also used for pernament improvements.
This was the first time the voters were asked to approve a 10-year levy. Previously they approved a 5-year levy in November 2009 and renewed it in May 2014.