Voters in Elmore County have decisively rejected the “Enhance Elmore” plan, a local funding proposal aimed at addressing public safety needs.
The overwhelming defeat leaves officials searching for ways to finance aging fire equipment and the long-planned construction of a new county jail.
According to WSFA, approximately 93-94% of voters opposed the measure, which sought to raise revenue through a new property assessment and a tax on vaped tobacco products.
The plan would have established an annual fee of about $150 for homeowners and $300 for businesses, generating approximately $4.5 million per year for fire protection, road maintenance, and other public safety initiatives. Of that amount, around $80 million was expected to go toward a new county jail.
County Commissioner Bart Mercer acknowledged that while voters rejected the funding plan, the county’s public safety needs have not gone away.
He noted that budget discussions are expected to begin soon as leaders explore whether short-term adjustments using existing funds can help meet the county’s most urgent demands.
The opposition group “Resist Elmore Tax Hike” organized against the measure, citing concerns about transparency, the combined structure of the property and vape tax vote, and the financial impact on rural residents.
Group leaders have said they intend to work with state lawmakers or explore other options to support local fire services without imposing new assessments.
The defeat also leaves fire departments grappling with escalating costs.
According to the news outlet, fire trucks that once cost under $200,000 in the mid-1990s now approach nearly $1 million, while the county’s fire fee, last raised in 2005, has remained unchanged for two decades.
Local officials have warned that the current funding model no longer keeps pace with rising equipment and maintenance expenses.
Despite differing views on taxation, both county leaders and opponents agree that ensuring public safety remains a top priority. As Elmore County prepares for upcoming budget discussions, residents and watchdog groups are expected to keep a close eye on how officials address the funding gap for essential services.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected]
