'Old Springville' blamed for building bond defeat

SPRINGVILLE — Voters overwhelmingly told the City Council they don't want to incur new city debt — even at low interest rates — as they soundly defeated Tuesday's $19.9 million bond election.

Springville Mayor Fritz Boyer said he believes the city is at a crossroads between "old Springville" and "new Springville."

Bond election Public safety, library, City Hall and municipal courts center For        1,290 Against  2,456 Community recreation center For        1,003 Against  2,730 Outdoor aquatic center For          966 Against  2,771

"Old Springville rejected the bond — they are very powerful," he said. He said new Springville's attention was elsewhere.

Boyer said old Springville includes residents who have lived in the Utah County city for more than 10 years. He said new Springville is composed of newcomers who have moved in over the past decade.

The vote tally showed:

• More than 64 percent rejected bonds for a public safety, library, City Hall and municipal courts center.

• Nearly 72 percent opposed building a new community recreation center.

• More than 73 percent turned down an aquatics center.

The huge voter turnout — 44.5 percent of the registered voters went to the polls — was responsible for defeating the measures, said Mike Jerman of the Utah Taxpayers Association, which had lobbied hard against the bond. In the municipal election two years ago, only 20 percent of eligible voters cast ballots.