Absentee Votes Don’t Save Levy

Absentee ballots failed to reverse last week’s election defeat for a two-year operating levy proposed by the Republic School District.

The measure received 56 percent support, 332-264, after about 100 absentee ballots were counted Monday. A 60 percent majority is required for approval.

Support for the levy, which would have collected $165,000 for 1996 and $173,000 for 1997, was 57 percent before the absentees were counted.