PORT ANGELES — The city’s $13.8 million aquatic center bond issue was soundly defeated in Tuesday’s election results, amassing less than one-third of the votes cast.
Tuesday night’s results were 2,531 votes, or 67.9, against versus 1,195 votes, or 32.1 percent, in favor.
The bond issue would have needed a 60 percent “yes” vote to pass.
“I think it’s a resounding ‘No.’ There’s no doubt that voters have spoken clearly,” said Orville Campbell, former deputy mayor of Port Angeles.
Campbell and Patty Hannah, former executive director of United Way of Clallam County, were co-chairs of the Friends of the Aquatic Center group.
“The reasons perhaps are not as clear as the vote but maybe the expenditure was just too high,” he said.
A total of 16,602 ballots, 38 percent of the 43,483 mail-in ballots sent out Oct. 18, were counted Tuesday night. Most of those ballots were received on or before Friday.
There were 9,324 additional ballots in hand but not processed, including those collected from ballot drop boxes at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
They will be counted by 4:30 p.m. Thursday along with 2,500 ballots expected in the mail today and Thursday. Ballots had to be postmarked on or before Tuesday.
Based upon new 2007 assessments, the $13.8 million bond issue would have cost an estimated 72 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation or about $108 a year for the owner of a $150,000 home.
The bond issue would have funded an aquatic center plus leaving space for a future indoor soccer and tennis building at the Clallam County Family YMCA site at 302 S. Francis St.