Josephine Co. voters soundly reject public safety levy

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — For the fifth time since 2012, voters in Josephine County have rejected a tax increase to restore cuts in law enforcement made when the federal government slashed timber subsidies.

The Grants Pass Daily Courier (https://is.gd/ZFoYC9 ) reports 60 percent of voters opposed the levy. It was the worst defeat of proposed levy since 2008, when 66 percent of voters rejected the idea of an independent law enforcement district.

The measure would have raised property taxes $1.42 per $1,000 of assessed value. That’s on top of the permanent rate of 59 cents, the lowest in Oregon for county government.

Retired TV producer Bill Hunker campaigned heavily against the measure. He said he felt “proud as a peacock” after Tuesday’s vote.

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Information from: Daily Courier, http://www.thedailycourier.com