The special election in Jackson County was held Tuesday, May 16.

Talent voters by a resounding margin told city officials they do not want to create an urban renewal district, according to unofficial special election results updated at 6 a.m. Wednesday by the Jackson County Clerk’s Office.

A total of 958 Talent residents, or 64%, voted against the advisory measure, while 534, or 36%, voted in favor.

Talent City Council has said it will abide by voters’ wishes. The new district would have covered 188 acres, much of it in the Almeda Fire scar.

The Almeda Fire Recovery and Revitalization Plan would have provided $16.3 million over 20 years for affordable housing, commercial revitalization, city infrastructure and natural disaster preparation. It wouldn’t have raised property owners’ taxes, but would have diverted revenue created by increases to values in the district from other taxing entities, including the city of Talent, to fund the work.

Opponents of the measure were critical of the property tax diversion, noting that it would impact public safety providers, including Jackson County Fire District 5. Each would have foregone $4.2 million in taxing revenue over the district’s life. Other affected taxing entities included Jackson County, the Jackson County Library District, the Rogue Valley Transportation District and three smaller districts.

Local 2596 of the International Fire Fighters Association, which represents District 5 fire personnel, amassed $20,000 for a campaign against the measure through a political action committee.

Elected city officials said they wanted to give residents an option to accomplish the proposed work without raising taxes and that it needs to be accomplished. The City Council had earlier proposed a district with a 30-year life that would have diverted $75 million, but dropped that plan after public opposition.

Turnout for the special election across Jackson County was reported Wednesday at 22.19%, according to the Oregon Secretary of State Office.

— Tony Boom

Measure 15-214: Ashland food and beverage tax

Ashland voters were leaning no by a slim 40 votes, 3,422 to 3,382 — a margin of 50.29% to 49.71% — on changing the city’s food and beverage tax, according to results updated at 6 a.m. Wednesday by the Jackson County Clerk’s Office. 

The proposed change to the tax would dedicate revenues to city parks, open space, recreation and senior services, and also extend the tax’s sunset date to Dec. 31, 2040. It was originally passed as a temporary tax in 1995.

A no vote would mean the tax allocation will remain unchanged with not less than 25% allocated to capital expenses for acquisition, planning, development and repair of city parks, 2% for the administration of the tax and up to 73% for street repair or city parks capital expenses.

A yes vote would mean 25% for city parks capital expenses, 2% for administration of the tax and 75% “appropriated more broadly for parks, open space, recreation and senior services purposes,” according to the explanatory statement.

— Morgan Rothborne

Measure 15-215: Ashland mayor and council compensation

Ashland voters have overwhelmingly decided to give city councilors and the mayor a raise.

Fully 73% of voters supported Measure 15-215, according to preliminary results updated at 6 a.m. by the Jackson County Clerk’s Office

A change in compensation is the first raise for Ashland’s council and mayor since the positions first received stipends in 1954. The Ashland city charter previously dictated an annual compensation of $500 for the mayor and $350 for councilors. Because the charter stipulates changes to compensation can only be made by voters, the potential raise was put forward in the election rather than by a vote of Ashland city council. Approval of the measure means a $900 monthly stipend for the mayor and councilors.

In previous council sessions, councilors agreed an increase in compensation could make it easier for working families to serve in the 25- to 30 hour-per-week, primarily volunteer position.

— Morgan Rothborne

Measure 15-213: Rogue River school bond

Rogue River voters believe in a second chance for a school bond, based on unofficial results updated at 6 a.m. Wednesday by the Jackson County Clerk’s Office.

Measure 15-213, a $4.4 million bond that would leverage a matching grant from the state, led 58% to 42%, a difference of 317 votes.

The unofficial results are a marked change from the soundly defeated Rogue River school bond in 2022. District officials and school board members blamed the defeat on a sour economy and not understanding constituents’ needs.

The 2023 bond initiative will pick up from the current expiring bond. The new bond would provide plumbing and electrical upgrades; single points of entry for Rogue River Elementary School and door security at the district’s other schools, as well as a new building on the high school grounds solely for junior high students.

— Kevin Opsahl

Measure 15-212: Charlotte Ann Water District dissolution

Charlotte Ann Water District voters overwhelmingly voted to dissolve the district, voting 84% to 16% in favor, according to unofficial results updated at 6 a.m. Wednesday by the Jackson County Clerk’s Office. The district’s board of directors had recommended dissolution in light of financial challenges.

The district, which serves an unincorporated area between Phoenix and Medford, faced a bill for a least $1.7 million for water line work in Highway 99 and didn’t have the money. The two cities will take over providing water services in the area.

— Tony Boom