Van Buren County Tax Vote

Residents of rural Van Buren County have overwhelmingly agreed to make a local option sales and service tax permanent.

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The margin of Tuesday's special election was 96% - 4%.

This is a reversal from the November General Election when 52% of voters rejected the extension.

The Van Buren County Board of Supervisors placed the issue on the ballot a second time after being presented a petition with more than 400 signatures.

Auditor Jon Finney says the tax generates about $275,000 a year, which goes towards rural property tax relief.

The one-cent local option sales and service tax is already in place in each of Van Buren County's incorporated communities.

March 2013
Yes - 418
No - 17

November 2012
Yes - 836
No - 904