(KNZA)--The final tally is in—the proposed 10-year, half-cent countywide retailers' sales tax for the Hiawatha Community Hospital has been defeated by a two-vote margin.
That's the outcome following a canvass of votes Monday by the Brown County Commission.
Meeting as a board of canvassers, the Commission approved counting 30 of the 40 provisional ballots cast during the November 5 election based on state statute.
That resulted in a final tally of 1,285 votes against the sales tax to 1,283 in favor.
A provisional ballot is used at a polling place to record a vote when there is some question regarding a voter's eligibility.
The sales tax would have generated an estimated $750,000 annually, with the proceeds going for equipment and facility repairs.
It was the second time the hospital had sought tax support. During a special election in May, a similar sales tax proposal was defeated by a 29-vote margin.
Hiawatha Community Hospital CEO John Broberg issued the following statement Monday following the vote outcome:
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