An issue that generated intense debate in Taney County went down to the final votes cast in Tuesday's Election.
The Public Library Tax Levy Ballot question before voters in the Branson and Hollister School District passes by 46 votes with 2,366 voters in favor of the measure while 2,320 were opposed to the levy, 50.49% to 49.51%. According to Missouri State Law, there is no margin that triggers an automatic recount but one could be requested since the margin was less than one percent. If the result stands, Personal and Real Estate Property owners in Taney County will be levied a tax of $0.18 for every $100 of Property Value to convert the current privately funded Taney County Library into a public library and be operated by an already appointed Library Board.
The other ballot issues had a much easier time gaining passage as a 3% Sales Tax on Recreational Marijuana passed in Taney County with similar measures passing in the cities of Branson, Forsyth, Hollister, and Rockaway Beach.
The unofficial results of the election are below. Certification of the results will take place over the next few days:
Public Library Tax Levy: Yes 2,366, No 2,320
3% Marijuana Sales Tax Taney County: Yes 4,213, No 1,603
3% Marijuana Sales Tax Branson: Yes 1,230, No 366
3% Marijuana Sales Tax Forsyth: Yes 223, No 61
3% Marijuana Sales Tax Hollister: Yes 314, No 124
3% Marijuana Sales Tax Rockaway Beach: Yes 59, No 29
Round One of Winter Weather Arrives Tonight
Man Hit While Walking on Highway 76, Driver Leaves the Scene
Winter Weather Chances Continue for This Week, Possible Impacts Today
Longtime Area Restaurant Operator to be Inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame
Search Continues for Missing Wisconsin Teen, Possibly in Arkansas or Missouri