FARMINGTON — Franklin County voters overwhelmingly rejected a $4.46 million bond referendum by a vote of 5,072 to 8,113 on Tuesday.

All but one of 23 towns opposed the proposal.

The tally does not factor in results from Coplin Plantation, which were unavailable Wednesday.

If the bond passed, it would have been used to improve housing quarters for law enforcement, emergency communications and county government offices.

The widest margin of defeat was delivered by Jay residents in a vote of 708 to 1,420. Jay pays the highest share of county taxes because it has the highest valuation. The bond would have added on about $60,000 to the town’s taxes annually for the project.

The closest margin came from Perkins Township in a 4-5 vote.

“We had no backup plan,” county Deputy Clerk/Deputy Treasurer Charisse Keach said Wednesday. “I don’t know of a plan B. We still have space, health and needs issues.”

Those issues include safety, security and environmental needs at both the 125-year-old Franklin County Courthouse, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

County officials believe that it will cost more than $2 million to bring the courthouse up to code and will reduce space.

The whole building project started with the need to increase space at the Sheriff’ Department Office and make it safer for dispatchers and deputies. It grew to a countywide project.

“We’re not done yet,” Keach said.

She expects there to be some possible discussion at the commissioners’ next meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at courthouse.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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