SEQUIM — Sequim Aquatic Recreaction Center users can expect higher prices and shorter center hours after voters apparently rejected a maintenance and operations levy for the second time.

The aquatic center’s elected five-member board is scheduled to discuss financial concerns when it meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday upstairs at Sequim Bible Church, 847 N. Sequim Ave.

The ballot measure, which would have taxed property at 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $10 a year on property valued at $100,000, failed to gain even a 50 percent “yes” vote in preliminary vote tallies Tuesday.

Sixty percent is required for passage.

“Yes” votes so far total 2,863 ballots, 41 percent,

“No” votes so far total 4,076 ballots, 59 percent.

A higher levy, 12 cents per thousand, received only 46 percent approval during the Sept. 17 primary election.

State law prohibits the aquatic center’s board from resubmitting another maintenance and operations levy until September 2003.

Reduction of hours

Aquatic center board Chairman Bill Black predicted Wednesday that the levy failures will result in a immediate reduction of operating hours and staff and an increase in admission fees for all users at the beginning of the year.

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