Despite more than 59 percent of Marion County residents voting in favor of a proposed volunteer fire department levy on election day, the $780,000 per year levy ultimately fell short of the required 60 percent.
The levy, which would have given additional funds to the county’s 13 volunteer fire departments, was supported by 59.21 percent of voters — or 11,318 votes. However, since state code mandates that levies require a super majority of 60 percent to pass, it died on election night.
“It is (disappointing), especially with us being so close,” said Barry Bledsoe, president of Marion County Firefighters Association. “I don’t know if we would’ve been any happier if it had been far off, but to get within just barely over 100 votes away from passing is pretty disheartening.”