Durant voters approved an extension of the city’s half cent sales tax while a Silo Schools bond failed during last week’s election.
According to election returns from the Bryan County Election Board, the sales tax passed by 69.95 percent, 738 votes, compared to 30.05 percent, 317 votes opposed.
The city sales tax was originally approved in 2004 to fund the Multi-Sports Complex and benefit Southeastern and was due to expire in September. Now, it will not expire until Sept. 30, 2049, and it will be used to maintain and improve infrastructure in the city.
The Silo School bond, however, didn’t pass because of the 60-percent “super majority” required for bonds.
It received 53.75 percent, 789 votes in favor of it compared to 46.25 percent, 679 votes opposed.
The Silo bond was for $35,545,000 to fund construction, furnishing, equipping and/or acquiring an early childhood classroom, a lagoon, a high school with safe room plus remodeling school buildings and obtaining furniture and fixtures. During a public meeting last month, Silo Schools Superintendent Kate Mc-Donald cited the school’s population increase as among reasons for needing new facilities.
In a social media post after the election, the school district said, “Thank you to everyone who worked hard promoting and supporting our bond. We will regroup and keep working for our students’ needs. We are not done. If you did not support this bond and have never came to our campus, please come by. We would love to give you a tour. We know it could change your heart.”