- April 23, 2024
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UPDATE -- 8:06 p.m.
The referendum has failed. About 57% of voters rejected the tax, according to unofficial results from the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections.
At a workshop meeting last month, the Flagler County School Board discussed at length what cuts they would make if the referendum, which would generate an estimated $3.2 million per year in revenue to the district, failed. That list of reductions can be found here.
Only half of the $3.2 million would have been new revenue: The referendum would have continued a 0.25 mill tax already in place while adding an additional 0.25 mills.
The additional money would have restored 45 minutes of instructional time that was cut from high schools two years ago. It also would have funded school resource officers at all elementary schools as well as other safety programs.
UPDATE -- 7:56 p.m.
Just two polling locations have yet to report their results. As the results stand now:
Yes: 42.59% (5,612 votes)
No: 57.4% (7,562 votes)
UPDATE -- 7:42 p.m.
With 18 of 22 polling locations reporting their results, a "no" vote remains in the lead:
Yes: 42.15% (5.278 votes)
No: 57.84% (7,241 votes)
UPDATE -- 7:30 p.m.
Here are the results as of 7:30 p.m., with 16 of 22 voting locations reporting.
Yes: 42.15% (5,278 votes)
No: 57.84% (7,241 votes)
UPDATE -- 7:05 p.m.
So far, about 60% of ballots counted voted no; the remaining 40% voted to approve the new tax.
Original story:
Polls have closed for today’s special election, which will decide whether a 0.5 mill property tax for the Flagler County School District will take effect. Results are expected sometime this evening.
Early voting was available for the special referendum, and the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections reports 2,659 ballots cast between May 28 and June 2.
Check for updates as votes are tallied. If approved, the referendum will continue the 0.25 mill set to expire June 30 and increase the tax by 0.25 mills.
Past headlines about the referendum:
Flagler considers asking for new school tax
School Board asks voters for additional tax
School Board hunts for budgetary cuts
Closing schools, cutting programs discussed at budget workshop
School Board's decision: Paraprofessionals will be cut
Two schools may close for 2014-2015
