A proposed half-cent sales tax increase that would have helped improve Miller County's road and bridge system failed in the April 4 election.
According to unofficial election results, voters said "no" to the county sales tax increase - one-half of 1 percent - casting 1,053 votes against the measure and 785 voting in favor.
Last week, Miller County Commissioner Darryl Bunch told the News Tribune the revenue from the tax increase would have been used to pay for the materials, equipment and worker salaries necessary to bring the county's road and bridge system up to date. The resulting $1.5 million increase in annual funds would have been designated for use only within the county's transportation department.
In addition to the $1.5 million yearly increase in road and bridge money, several local towns, villages and road districts also would have seen an increase in their annual transportation budgets.
Voters secured Jerome Atteberry as a new Eldon Ward 2 alderman, with Atteberry receiving 64 votes to opponent Thomas Abbett's 36, according to unofficial election results. Current Ward 2 Alderman Mike Edinger did not file to defend his seat in the municipal election.
Eldon's incumbent Ward 1 Alderman Doug Partridge ran unopposed and secured 62 votes; as did incumbent Ward 3 Alderman Bryon Hull received 38 votes.
In Lake Ozark, longtime Mayor Johnnie Franzeskos and incumbent Ward 1 Alderman Judith Neels both ran unopposed, receiving 60 votes and 29 votes, respectively. Also unopposed, Dale Hicks will be a new Ward 2 alderman with 20 votes, and Vernon Jaycox is a new Ward 3 alderman, receiving 13 votes.
Incumbents Douglas Holtmeyer and Angie Heckemeyer will continue to serve on the St. Elizabeth R-4 Board of Education, receiving 211 and 137 votes, respectively. James Wieberg also will join the school board, as his 206 votes defeated incumbent Dana Kemna's 95 votes and Ken Struemph's 99.
Voters also welcomed Walter William Moreland as the new Iberia mayor, casting 104 in his favor to incumbent Jim Schlupp's 35.