Lincoln County voters pick school trustees; dump Libby levy

Voters in Libby were overwhelming in their rejection of a school levy request.

Libby School District voters defeated the request by a more than two to one margin. 1,635 voters said “no” while only 742 supported the measure.

Rising maintenance and insurance costs led Libby School Superintendent Ron Goodman to seek the additional funding. The levy would have been permanent and generated $250,000 annually.

"We were a bit disappointed," Goodman said. "The additional funds would have been a great help. I think we all understand the hardship of another tax increase."

The money would have been primarily used for roof replacement or repairs as well as parking lot maintenance at the high school.

The estimated annual costs of the levy was $47.48 each year for a house with a market value of $300,000. For a house valued at $600,000, the annual increase would have been $94.95.

South Lincoln County voters did make their choices for two new school trustees in Libby and Troy.

Tony L. Rebo, a former Libby trustee, will be back on the board again after getting 1,453 votes. He was dominant in the five precincts, winning each by at least 70 votes.

"Thank you to the Libby community for placing your trust in me, I am looking forward to working with Cody and the rest of the board, administration, and educators in providing a safe and great learning environment for the students who attend the Libby school system," Rebo said in a statement to The Western News.

Cody Katzer Sr. will take a seat on the board for the first time after collecting 881 votes. He was the second-leading vote getter in each of the five precincts.

"Thank you to all those who voted for me and trust me to fulfill the School Board duties," Katzer said. "I hope to be an effective member for our community. I am looking forward to working with all stakeholders to benefit our children."

Walter Snyder got 775 votes and Andrew “Bo” Alsup received 691.

In Troy, Eric Storkson received 417 votes and Lucy Orr got 381 as each will join the school board. Cliff Bara was third with 343.

"I’d just like to say thank you to all who took the time to cast their vote to select who they want to represent them on the school board," Storkson said. "I do not bear that responsibility lightly and I’ll continue to do my best to represent my constituents during my second (and final) term."

Orr was appreciative of the voters and honored to serve her community.

"I extend my sincere gratitude to the genuine supporters in my hometown of Troy who took the time to vote," Orr said. "I am honored by the opportunity to serve as a trustee and am committed to advocating for those who need it most, with integrity, transparency and dedication to our community."

For the Yaak School technology levy, uncanvassed results show it passed in overwhelming fashion with 100 yes votes and 31 no votes. The results will be posted on the Lincoln County Election page Monday, according to Election Administrator Melanie Howell.

According to one election judge who counted votes at the county Annex building Tuesday night, the counting was done by 10 p.m.