Voters go to the polls in Elmore County to decide whether to pay more taxes
Voters are at the polls in Elmore County today, deciding whether to support the Enhance Elmore tax plan.
The Enhance Elmore plan would generate $4.5 million per year to build a new jail, increase funding for the county volunteer fire departments and fund infrastructure improvements, like new roads and bridges.
If voters approve, they would pay a flat annual $25 assessment on land, $150 on homes and $300 on commercial properties.
Elmore County Commission Chairman Bart Mercer said that growth means increased costs and more needs throughout the county.
Action 8 News talked to voters this morning.
“We need to have a different tax, not lumped all in one trying to get more money out of all of us when I feel like we are giving enough,” Ann Lee said.
“It’s our tax dollars that we pay that we work hard for, and I think it’s important that we represent what we believe when it comes to where our money goes,” Amanda Burchard said.
If the plan is defeated, the county commission would have to find a different way to pay for a new jail, possibly cutting funding for other services.
Taxpayers already pay a fee to support 30 fire stations across the county. That fee hasn’t changed in 20 years.
Polls are open until 7PM tonight. Action 8 News will have the results when they are known.
