Document text
49 °F 5 Day Forecast Saturday, November 29, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend November 4, 2003 Lack of turnout will sap service in Phoenix By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune A low voter turnout spells trouble for a Phoenix levy that would avoid cuts to fire and police service. "It’s not looking good at this point," said Jackson County Clerk Kathy Beckett. Only 38.8 percent of voters had turned in their ballots Monday in Phoenix for the Nov. 4 election. Phoenix’ Measure 15-46 requires the so-called "double majority," in which at least 50 percent of registered voters must cast their ballots and the majority of them must vote yes. Advertisement Countywide, 41.8 percent of voters have responded for measures in Medford, Shady Cove and Phoenix. "It seems awfully low when we see issues on the ballot that are vital to the community," said Beckett. The Phoenix measure asks voters to renew a levy of $2.85 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $356.25 annually for a home assessed at $125,000. This is the third time the city has asked voters to renew the levy, but if it fails, city officials could put it on ballots in March, May or September. The city needs the money or it will have to lay off two police officers, two firemen and one administrator. Phoenix has another ballot measure that limits council members to two consecutive four-year terms. The mayor is limited to three consecutive terms. Medford residents are deciding the fate of the controversial ballot Measure 15-49, which would require elections for city road projects that affect the flow of traffic and involve the state or federal government. In Shady Cove, residents are voting on Measure 15-48, which would supplement the city’s general fund and return police department staffing to one chief, three officers and one part-time clerk. If the measure fails, staff will be reduced to a police chief, one officer and one part-time clerk. Ballots can be taken to Elections Center, 1101 W. Main St., Medford, until 8 p.m. today. Drop sites for ballots are also at libraries in Shady Cove (22477 Highway 62) and Phoenix (110 W. Second St.) Both libraries will be accepting ballots from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times