Voters kept their wallets closed when it came to funding the construction of a new field house for Pellston Public Schools this week.
The facility would have been built in an empty field across the street from the Pellston Middle School.
It would have been open for students and the general public and featured new basketball courts, weight rooms and other amenities.
The 1.8 millage increase failed in the Aug. 8 municipal elections – which translates to an $11.75 million bond for the next 25 years.
Homes with a taxable value of $50,000 would see their taxes go up by $90 a year.
The vote was on the ballot for Bliss Township, Carp Lake Township, Center Township, Maple River Township and McKinley Township in Emmet County.
According to unofficial results posted on the county’s website, 315 votes were for yes and 545 votes were for no.
The proposal was also on the ballot for Burt Township in Cheboygan County. It failed with 119 yes votes and 139 no votes, according to unofficial results.
Emmet County Clerk Suzanne Kanine said official results will be posted after a canvasser meeting on Aug. 10.
Pelston administrators did not return requests for comment in time for publication.
Chris Schlappi, the principal of Pellston’s Middle-High School previously told 9&10 News the current facilities are showing their age – especially during busy basketball seasons.
