Two more yes votes nail down Farmington levies

Two more yes votes for each of the Town of Farmington measures kept the two proposals over the 60 percent required for approval after the last primary election toll Monday.

The funding proposals were needed to maintain the town of Farmington which lacks most of the other tax sources to fund town operations.

Mark Hellinger, who just concluded a term as interim mayor of Farmington, noted Farmington tax proposals normally get a close vote.

The proposal for an $8,000 street levy with the two more yes votes finished with a total of 32 in favor for 61.54 percent on the approval side.

The street measure was at 60 percent at the last count, and one more vote on the negative side would have defeated it.

The proposal for $15,000 for the current expense fund with the two more votes finished with a 33 yes total for 63.46 percent.

Both measures will be added to this year’s tax statements for the 2020 year collection.

Hellinger said the $8,000 in street funds will go for gravel and sealer to maintain the town’s streets. A lot of Farmington’s streets are gravel.

The current expense fund levy proceeds will go for normal city operations. Farmington employs a part-time clerk and a part-time maintenance man. Also on the town staff is a state-certified technician to operate the sewer and water systems.

Farmington lacks a lineup of businesses to generate a portion of sales tax income for the budget. Lack of businesses also means lack of a commercial property tax base to bolster the budget.

In other final counts Monday, Colfax Cemetery’s proposal for a $200,000 levy passed with 604 yes to 297 no for a 67.04 approval rate, and St. John cemetery district’s $15,000 proposal passed with 196 yes and 62 no for a 75.97 approval rate.

Final primary counts for the Endicott Mayoral race were Steve Salzaman 64, Daniel Larson 33 and Don Adsitt 6.

Final counts for the Endicott council council three seat were Derek Starrett 59, Kenda Hergert 26 and Amber Hilton 17.

Final turnout for the primary election was 36.9 percent with 1,317 ballots cast by the 3,569 registered voters in the four districts with issues on the ballot.