Lynden voters are rejecting a property tax increase for police, fire and city staff
What happened: Lynden voters are turning down a property tax increase in the unofficial count from the Nov. 3 election.
On election night, 3,914 voted no and 2,198 voted yes, about 64% no, the Lynden Tribune reported.
After Wednesday's count, nearly two-thirds were still voting no, KGMI reported.
The measure would have added 50 cents per $1,000 of property value to the City's rate of about $1.04.
On a $600,000 home, that is about $300 a year, the City says.
It would have raised about $2 million a year for more police officers, firefighters, a third ambulance crew and restored City jobs.
The City says that without it, it will have to cut staff and services in parks, police and fire.
It needed a simple majority to pass.
What's next: the County certifies the results Nov. 24.