KDRV Staff
 
November 3, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. -- Jackson County voters passed two tax measures in Tuesday's special election.
 
Ashland residents voted in favor of Measure 15-95, that renews the five-percent citywide food and beverage tax for another 20 years. As of late Tuesday night 58.93 percent of Ashland voters were in favor of renewal according to Jackson County's website.
 
In Rogue River, voters approved Measure 15-96, which renews an option tax that funds the Rogue River Rural Fire District for 5 years. It was first passed back in 2000. 62.01 percent of Rogue River voters were in favor of renewal as of late Tuesday night.
 
Both measures renew taxes at the same levels previously paid.
 
At last report Tuesday night, 45.88 percent of voters had turned in their ballots for Jackson County's special elections.
 
Several ashland business rallied together and ran a campaign against the tax over the past few months.
 
"It is a lot of hard work, and we did our best to let the public know about all the options available. I think it's unfortunate that we go forward with 20 more years without looking at opportunities that could be better options for our town," said Denise Daehler, owner of Liquid Assets.
 
"I'm just thrilled that the Ashland voters, the Ashland community, puts their community before their own self interest," Co-Owner of Standing Stone Brewery Alex Amarotico said.
 
The tax funds Ashland's waste water treatment plant. If it had been defeated, the city could have increased sewer rates by about 50-percent.
 
Meanwhile, approval of Measure 15-96 extends the Rogue River Rual Fire District funding through 2016 at 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. It means the Rogue River Rural Fire District will continue to provide required training, fuel and insurance at the current staffing level.
 
The district will also continue providing blood pressure checks and other community services.
 
Measure 15-95 to extend 5% food and beverage tax in Ashland
 
Yes   58.93%
 
No   41.07%
 
 
Measure 15-96 to continue 5-year local option tax for Rogue River Fire District
 
Yes  62.01%
 
No   37.99%