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Commissioners applaud apparent passage of jail levy but say results not final
Summary
A county commissioner told the board that initial returns indicate the jail levy renewal passed but cautioned final results are pending more mail ballots; turnout in the election was around 27%.
A Columbia County commissioner told the board on May 21 that initial results showed the county’s jail levy renewal passing, but emphasized the outcome was not yet final because thousands of mail-in ballots may still be counted.
"Our jail levy renewal passed. I was so thrilled to see that, at 11:00 last night when the second, results came out. Of course, it's not final yet," the commissioner said, adding that thousands of mail ballots could alter the result. The same commissioner said voter turnout appeared low, estimating "only 27%" of eligible voters participated.
Why it matters: a jail levy funds detention and related public-safety services and typically lasts multiple years; at the meeting another speaker confirmed the levy term was four years. The board’s remarks were celebratory but cautious and included thanks to volunteers and campaign supporters.
Details and context: the commissioner thanked volunteers who helped with signs and mailers and named Sherry Pixley and others who helped the effort. Separately, a board member noted community events with strong turnout for NAMI and said transit and public-health staff participated in outreach. The board then recessed to an executive session.
What was not decided: the board did not certify election results at the meeting; the commissioner repeatedly cautioned that results were preliminary and subject to additional mail-in returns.
