OSAGE, Iowa — The question of whether to sell $7.2 million in general obligation bonds to finance a new Mitchell County courthouse was defeated Tuesday.

Although a majority of voters approved the referendum, 1,066 to 961, or 52.59 percent, it did not receive the 60 percent support that bond referendums require in Iowa.

Despite that outcome, a new courthouse will likely be built, supervisors say.

Supervisors said prior to Tuesday’s election that if the measure was defeated they would still sell revenue bonds to fund the new courthouse.

Revenue bonds can carry a higher interest rate, but, unlike general obligation bonds, their sale does not need voter approval.

Board Chairman Stan Walk said the positive vote points the supervisors in the right direction.

“The yes vote was a mandate for us to go ahead with revenue bonds,” he said.

— Mason City Globe Gazette

 

LAKE MILLS — Incumbent Lake Mills Mayor David Steffens will get to keep his seat. He won re-election unopposed with 69 votes. On the City Council, the two unopposed candidates for two seats were Candy Hanna and Nathan Ostrander.

In nearby Scarville, Doug Harmon garnered 14 votes to become the new mayor and Orlyn Rosen joins the City Council.

 

NORTHWOOD — Incumbent Northwood Mayor Jane Bloomingdale garnered 91 votes in her unopposed race to keep her seat.

Two incumbents ran unopposed for City Council and won. They were Roger Rustad, with 89 votes, and Rhonda Taylor, with 94 votes.