Several communities across Northeast Georgia held Special Elections today, March 19. Following is a list of available preliminary results of those races.
Elbert County
In Elbert County, voters approved a five-year Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax to raise $9.8 million to be used solely for patching and resurfacing of the county’s 400 miles of county maintained paved roads. The measure passed 59.29 percent to 40.7 percent (606-416 votes).
Hart County
For Hart County Board of Education District 1, which includes the Hartwell, Bio and Cokesbury precincts, Lonnie Robinson defeated Brenda Vail 80.32 percent to 18.62 percent (151-35 votes). There also were two write-in votes.
Hartwell
In Hartwell, Patrick L. Guarnella edged out Erin Fleming Gaines for the city council seat, 50.33 percent to 49.34 percent (152-149). There also was one write-in vote in the race. The seat was left vacant following the death of Billy Ethridge.
Jackson County
In Jackson County, general obligation school bonds for construction of a new westside high school and other projects throughout the district, including the planned renovation of East Jackson Middle School and work on the Empower College and Career Center, passed 58.03 percent (632) to 41.97 percent (457).
Rabun County
In Rabun County, a 1-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) extension passed 63.8 percent (1,329) to 36.2 percent (754).
Proceeds from that tax will fund the following projects: Rabun County Detention Center expansion; sheriff’s office; water and sewer improvements; roads and bridges improvements; courthouse upgrades; along with a number of city projects.
Those city projects include:
- Clayton – City hall maintenance and repair; city roads and streets; water and sewer system improvements; and public safety;
- Dillard – City complex renovation; city roads and streets; and water and sewer improvements;
- Sky Valley – Buildings and equipment; and city roads and streets;
- Tallulah Falls – Public buildings renovations and improvements; city roads and streets; and water and sewer system improvements; and
- Tiger – Parks and recreation; and city roads and streets.
Sky Valley
In the Special Election for the Sky Valley City Council seat, Moody Barrick received 55.43 percent of votes (97) to Holly Steil’s44 percent (77). There also was one write-in vote (0.57 percent).
