Voters Approve 1 Percent Sales Tax, Bond Issues

FARMINGTON -- Only 6 percent of registered voters cast ballots in Farmington's special election and about 70 percent of them supported the city's request to approve a 1 percent sales tax and issue bonds to pay for street and park improvements.

Farmington had three questions on the ballot and all three passed.

Unofficial election results for the June 13 special election were:

• 1 percent sales tax: For -- 183 votes (67.78 percent); Against -- 87 votes (32.22 percent);

• Street improvement bonds: For -- 193 (71.75 percent; Against -- 76 (28.25 percent);

• Park and recreational improvement bonds: For -- 186 (68.89 percent); Against -- 82 (31.11 percent).

According to the Washington County Election Commission, 271 people voted out of 4,293 registered voters in Farmington.

Jennifer Price, election coordinator, said results would be certified by the Commission on June 23. She said the delay was because the Commission had to allow 10 days to receive an overseas absentee ballot for the Farmington election from Japan.

Several people who voted in the election said they supported the 1 percent sales tax so the city could continue to move forward.

"These are all improvements that need to be made for the future of our city," said Laurie Adkins. "This will enhance the quality of life for everyone in Farmington."

Doreen Craig said she supported the tax because it would improve infrastructure in Farmington.

"I think we have a nice community here and I think we should continue the momentum," Craig said.

Another voter, Linda Catt, added, "I think we've done a really great job in Farmington and I would like to continue what we're doing."

The 1 percent sales tax approved in the election will replace an existing sales tax set to expire at the end of September. The current tax is being collected to pay off a 2007 bond issue.

The new sales tax will take effect Oct. 1. The city's local sales tax rate will remain the same at 2 percent. The total sales tax collected in Farmington is 9.75 percent, which includes a 6.5 percent state tax and 1.25 percent county tax.

With a new 1 percent sales tax, the city will be able to issue up to $2.8 million in street improvement bonds and up to $2.3 million for park and recreational improvement bonds.

One half of the revenue from the new 1 percent sales tax will be used to pay off the new 20-year bond issues and the other half will go into the city's General Fund for maintenance and operation costs. When the bonds are paid off, all of the revenue from the 1 percent sales tax will go into the city's General Fund.

Currently, the city's 1 percent sales tax generates about $685,000 per year.

Mayor Ernie Penn said the success of the sales tax election will allow Farmington to make many needed improvements to Creekside Park, streets and drainage and to expand fire and police departments and Farmington Public Library.

"I am very pleased and appreciate the citizens who got out to vote and support our City," Penn said by email. "We will begin the prioritizing process over the next few months and start the improvements once the funds are available."

Sherry Mathews, chairwoman of the city's Parks and Recreation Committee, said she is looking forward to improvements at Creekside Park.

"I'm really excited it did pass so hopefully next summer we can start some projects," Mathews said.

Her thoughts are that the first priority at Creekside Park needs to be more parking. A new pavilion, a disc golf course and tennis courts are other ideas she supports.