Voters say no to resort tax

POLSON —Voters gave a resounding and overwhelming thumbs down to the proposed resort tax awaiting their approval on Tuesday’s ballot.

The resolution, which would have added a 3 percent surcharge on designated “luxury” goods and services items like hotel rooms, was defeated 951-186.

Many local business owners had decried the idea, saying it was under researched and too much of a burden during the current economic situation.

“We’re all struggling with a budget that just doesn’t go far enough anymore,” Page By Page owner Marilyn Bert said, reacting to the news on Tuesday night. She said the no votes showed that the timing was poor for a tax like this because times are tough for many people.

In another landslide, incumbent mayor Lou Marchello was defeated by Pat DeVries, 812-312.

DeVries said Tuesday night she’s excited and ready to begin work.

“My big thing is really to try to get more people involved in city government and the decisions,” DeVries said. “They’re not going to come to your meetings, you have to go to them.”

DeVries previously held the position from 1988-92. This time, she’s also focusing on working with the city manager, Todd Crossett, who was hired in June.

The tightest race of the night saw Ward 2, two year candidate Judy Preston defeated incumbent Jules Clavadetscher.

Preston won 226-193.

Incumbents Mike Lies and Fred Funke retained their seats.

Ronald Boyce took the unopposed Ward 1 seat.