In Tuesday's special election, the levy to support the Eugene Public Library passed by just under 2,000 votes.
The property tax levy is expected to bring in about $2.7-million a year for five years. This will help restore hours and services as well as add new offerings. Library Director Connie Bennett says the funding will make a difference.
Bennett: "I'm particularly pleased for the neighborhood branches that are going to be going from the current 26 hours a week to 48 hours a week, full library service across 6 days, additional books, technology and programs that they've just been doing without since the recession. And so, I'm just so pleased for our whole community."
Bennett acknowledged not everybody supported the measure. She says there are always conversations to be had when it comes to prioritizing and funding services. Unofficial returns show 52.7 percent voted in favor and 47.2 percent were opposed.
Update 10 pm:
Lane County, Oregon
Special Election
November 3, 2015
Results as of 10PM
VOTES PERCENT
PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 62) . . . . . 62 100.00
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 134,482
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . 44,164
BALLOTS CAST - BLANK. . . . . . . 21 .05
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . 32.84
VOTER TURNOUT - BLANK . . . . . . .02
20-235 City of Eugene
Five year library local option levy
(VOTE FOR) 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,291 52.04
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,011 47.96
20-236 City of Springfield
Renewal of fire & life safety services local option levy
(VOTE FOR) 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,888 75.04
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,958 24.96
20-237 South Lane County Fire & Rescue District
General obligation bond
(VOTE FOR) 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,172 63.54
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,820 36.46
Update 9:30 pm: Eugene Library Director Connie Bennett tells KLCC she is "really hopeful" the library funding levy will pass. She and supporters are gathered and waiting for Lane County Elections to release updated results at 10pm.
8:00 pm
Measure 20-235, a five-year local option levy for Eugene Public Libraries, appears to be passing with a slim margin.
Springfield voters overwhelmingly approved a renewal of the levy to support fire and life safety services. And voters in South Lane County said yes to a general obligation bond to pay for the Fire & Rescue District.
LANE COUNTY SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS November 3, 2015
Results as of 8PM, next results at 10PM
VOTES PERCENT
PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 62) . . . . . 62 100.00
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 134,482
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . 37,397
BALLOTS CAST - BLANK. . . . . . . 16
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . .27.81
VOTER TURNOUT - BLANK . . . . . . .01
20-235 City of Eugene
Five year library local option levy
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,545 51.35
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,832 48.65
20-236 City of Springfield
Renewal of fire & life safety services local option levy
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,111 75.29
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,677 24.71
20-237 South Lane County Fire & Rescue District
General obligation bond
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,692 63.87
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,523 36.13