Grade school referendum in Metamora defeated by only 18 votes

METAMORA — A mere 18 votes stood in the way of a referendum aimed at raising the tax rate for the Metamora Grade School District.

The increase was slated to go toward the school district's education fund, which has clung to district's cash reserves to stay afloat. The cash reserves are now essentially depleted, and the possibility of cutting teachers or programs in the district is being called all but a reality.

The final votes tallied Tuesday showed 49.73 percent of voters and in favor of the referendum and 50.63 percent opposed to it — a separation of 18 votes.

"It's hard because we've been at this for over a year now," said Wendy Vogel, a kindergarten teacher who served on the district’s alternative revenue committee. "When it comes down to 18 votes, it's tough to swallow."

With almost 85 percent of the precincts reporting on the Woodford County election results website, those in favor of the referendum held a seven-vote advantage. Minutes later, the website updated to 100 percent of precincts reporting and reflected the now 18-vote deficit. The swing caused an emotional rollercoaster for Vogel, who was also voted onto the Metamora Township High School board on Tuesday.

"You go from a high to a really low," Vogel said.

Despite the agonizing differential, some steps will be taken in the coming days to clarify the final result, according to Vogel. Phone calls will be made to determine how many absentee ballots still need to be tallied and whether pursuing a recount is an option.

Otherwise, making program and teacher cuts in conjunction with issuing bonds might represent the only remedy.

"We've deficit spent for seven years, and there's nothing left," Vogel said.

Vogel also voiced her frustration with voters who selected the "no" choice on the referendum solely for the point of not wanting to raise taxes. She said that if the schools in Metamora are no longer attractive, people will go to Morton and Dunlap, which will adversely affect property taxes eventually.

"If we can't invest in the schools, it's unfortunate," Vogel added.