Mexico City Council approves voting results

Members of the Mexico City Council Monday night accepted the voting results of the proposed sales tax issue that appeared on the Aug. 7 Primary Election ballot and passed by voters' choice, 813 to 747.

According to the Statement of Votes Cast, issued by Audrain County Clerk Shelley Harvey, the sales tax garnered support from 54 percent (1,457) of the votes cast on election day and 56 percent of the 103 absentee votes. Voting activity was seen in all six of the city's precincts and the issue passed in all but one. Nearly 53 percent of Mexico 4 precinct voted against the sales tax.

"I'm unsure why it didn't pass (in Mexico 4), but we (council and city staff) were very pleased it passed and that it will provide for Mexico and area residents to have better parks and park programs well into the future," Mayor Ron Loesch said.

According to the Statement of Votes, the city of Mexico had 6,847 voters registered for the Primary Election. Following is a breakdown of the number of registered voters in each precinct and how each precinct voted:

• Mexico 1: Of the 1,229 registered voters, 371 voted (204 voted yes and 89 no). This area makes up the northwest precinct.

• Mexico 2: Of the 1,130 registered voters, 188 voted (99 yes and 89 no). This area makes up the north central precinct.

• Mexico 3: Of the 1,203 registered voters, 148 voted (77 yes and 71 no). This precinct lies just below Mexico 1.

• Mexico 4: Of the 725 registered voters, 140 voted (66 yes, 74 no). This is the northeast precinct.

• Mexico 5: Of the 1,035 registered voters, 185 voted (96 yes and 99 no). This area makes up the central west precinct.

• Mexico 6: Of the 1,525 registered voters, 425 voted (213 yes and 212 no). This section of the city makes up the southwest precinct.

The council also heard the first reading of an ordinance (by title only) to establish the annual procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest and substantial interests for certain municipal officials. A second reading of the item will be heard at the Aug. 27 and action will be taken.

The council also approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with the Heart of Missouri Tourism Center in Kingdom City for the continued placement of a bulletin board that highlights Mexico activities and tourism spots. The amount requested and approved was $1,200 – which covers the $100 monthly rental fee for the placement of the board for 12 months.

Father John Schmitz has resigned from a position on the Airport Advisory Board. The term expires in October. Staff received applications from Mark Stuart, Roger Dubbert, David Taylor and John Clayton expressing interest in serving on the board.

Councilman Dan Botts made the motion to appoint Stuart and council approved with a 5-0 vote.

During council comment, Botts commended city staff for their efforts in getting the sales tax passed and other council members echoed the sentiment.

City Manager Bruce Slagle reminds citizens about the Council Work Session scheduled Wednesday to discuss the 2012-2013 budget. The work session begins at 4 p.m., in the third-floor Council Chambers of City Hall.

Regular council meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Council members are Mayor Loesch, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Nichols, Botts, Chris Williams and Greg Miller.