All six Athens County issues passed yesterday, granting more aid to senior and disability services as well as allowing three local businesses to sell alcohol on Sundays.
Both countywide issues were approved with more than 50 percent of voters checking “yes” on the ballot.
Issue 15, a five-year renewal tax for senior services in Athens County, was approved with 10,898 votes for and 4,354 against, according to the unofficial Athens County numbers.
Issue 16, a 10-year replacement tax that will support the 317 Board, was approved with 9,513 votes for and 5,698 against, according to the unofficial numbers.
The 317 Board contracts with agencies to plan for and provide mental health and alcohol- and drug-addiction services for Athens, Hocking and Vinton counties.
Athens Republicans and Democrats were in favor of both issues.
Republican Randy Morris, who lost the mayoral race to incumbent Democrat Paul Wiehl, supported the 317 Board levy as a member of the Athens Commission on Disabilities.
Democrat Michele Papai, who won the 3rd Ward City Council seat over independent RJ Sumney, also supported Issue 16.
“The levy supports crisis services. There is no other way to pay for those, and when someone is suicidal, the money is needed now,” Papai said.
Wiehl said he was not surprised that both the issues passed, adding that voters usually pass levies because they see that the money is important.
The other four issues were precinct-specific issues dealing with liquor licenses for three local businesses. All four issues passed.
Issue 17 gives a C-1 and C-2 permit to allow Pete’s BP, 542 Richland Ave., to sell beer, wine and mixed drinks. Issue 18 gives the establishment a D-6 permit, which allows it to sell between 11 a.m. and midnight on Sundays. Only residents in Athens 2nd Ward 3rd Precinct were able to vote on the issues.
Issue 17 passed with 216 votes for and 100 against. Issue 18 was approved with 198 votes for and 114 against, according to unofficial Athens County numbers.
Issues 19 and 20 gave D-6 liquor licenses to Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery, 24 W. Union St., and The Union, 18 W. Union St., which would allow them to sell beer, wine and spirituous liquor between 11 a.m. and midnight on Sundays. Only residents in Athens 3rd Ward 1st Precinct could vote on the issues.
Issue 19 passed with 22 votes for and one vote against; Issue 20 passed with 23 votes for and one vote against, according to unofficial Athens County numbers.
Athens City Councilman Kent Butler, D-4th Ward, did not get to vote on Issues 17 through 20 but supported their passing.
“In today’s economy, I support measures that assist the well-being of businesses,” Butler said.
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