Two propositions concerning parks and recreation in East Jefferson County are on their way to being approved, according to the first-round of ballot counting Tuesday night.
A proposition authorizing the creation of Jefferson County Parks and Recreation District No. 2, which would cover the Brinnon School District, was ahead — 415, or 60.13 percent, in favor, to 275, or 39.86 percent, opposed.
A simple majority of the 1,000 registered voters in the district is required for passage.
A proposition to continue a levy to fund the Coyle-area Toandos Community Center, received 142 yes votes, or 56.8 percent, and 108 no votes, or 43.2 percent.
To pass, the proposition needs a simple majority. In addition, at least 112 voters in Jefferson County Parks and Recreation District No. 1 must return their ballots. There are about 340 voters in the district.
If the final count results in the approval of the Brinnon district, candidates Sue Bettenger and Nichole Black, who ran unopposed for positions 3 and 4, would be seated on Jan. 1.
In contested positions on the board:
■ Bud Schindler led Kimberlee Scribellito-Talbott by 299 votes, or 53.39 percent, to 261 votes, or 46.61 percent, for position 1.
■ Jacque J. Booth led Joe Baisch by 329 votes, or 58.96 percent, to 229 votes, or 41.04 percent, for position 2.
■ Doug Hixson led Forrest G. Towne by 286 votes, or 57.89 percent, to 208, or 42.11 percent, votes for position 5.
The parks district would function as a legal entity that would be able to apply for grants for community improvement, to possibly create parks on land on the Hood Canal.
There is no levy associated with Brinnon’s Proposition 1.
A levy of up to 60 cents per $1,000 assessed property value could be proposed for approval by voters during a future election.
Toandos Community Center
The tax levy proposed to continue the funding of the Coyle area Toandos Community Center, located at 923 Hazel Point Road.
It would impose a levy of 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value for property owners within the district’s borders.
The levy would generate $22,000 annually for the maintenance and upkeep of the community center.
The community center is used as a local food bank, soup kitchen, and weather shelter.
A current levy for the same amount will expire at the end of this year.
The Jefferson County Auditor’s Office counted a total of 15,382 ballots countywide out of 22,756 issued, for a voter turnout of 67.59 percent Tuesday night.
The office has 2,560 on hand but uncounted and Auditor Donna Eldridge expects another 2,500 ballots to come in before the next count at about noon Friday, for a final voter turnout of 89.83 percent.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com
