College Place voters reject the bond for new police station
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, November 27th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
COLLEGE PLACE – The majority of voters rejected the city of College Place’s bond placed on the Nov. 5 ballot to finance construction of a new police facility, 50.89 percent to 49.11 percent – a difference of 77 votes.
Walla Walla County Auditor Karen Martin explains that voter approved bonds for such endeavors require a 40 percent voter turnout and 60 percent or more voting yes for it to pass.
City Administrator Mike Rizzitiello said the city will continue to go over congressional-directed spending earmarks to try to buy down costs of the estimated $14 million project.
“The issue is that as the years pass things get more expensive and other grant opportunities for law enforcement capital facilities are few and far between,” he said.
Rizzitiello adds a replacement structure is needed given the city’s growth trajectory and the fact the existing structure is undersized and outdated.
Meantime, Walla Walla County’s District One will be represented by new Commissioner Bertha Clayton starting in January. She won the seat 58.5 percent to 41.28 percent over incumbent Jenny Mayberry.
Artist rendering of proposed police facility via city of College Place
