Shelton appears to gain seat on Nyssa City Council
Proposal to establish a new Nyssa Rural Fire District appears to be gaining voter approval
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 11:01 AM PST
NYSSA — The Nyssa City Council will apparently see one new face when it convenes at the first meeting of the new year as well as the return of three incumbents as the result of Tuesday’s city election.
Re-elected to four-year terms were Brent Huffman, with 561 votes; Harry Flock, 447 votes and Pat Brewer, receiving 400 votes. Newcomer Mary Shelton was leading for the two-year term seat, but by only one vote over incumbent Kathy Flanders — 339 to 338, and Jackie Chadwick-Goul received 334 votes.
An election to establish a new Nyssa Rural Fire District was passing, along with the establishment of a permanent tax base to raise funds for new equipment and provide additional money to operate the district.
In order to get a higher tax rate, the existing district had to be dissolved and a new district formed. That was being approved by a vote of 404 to 300. The vote on the new proposed tax rate, $.9425 per $1,000 of property value was much closer at 360 yes and 336 no votes.
District officials said the new tax levy was needed because of the loss of property values and resulting loss of tax revenues.
A new pumper truck was listed as the main need for the district.
In other elections around the county, Rex Maag, Gary Smith, Jeffery Burkhardt, Chris Johnson and Ken Freese were elected to the Vale Rural Fire District Board. Paul Zinie and Jimmy Belnap were also on the ballot.
At Adrian, Mike Heller, Vince Bingham and Keith Baldwin were elected to the Adrian City Council. Others on the ballot were Linda Webb, Andrea Davis and Steven Jewell.
