Only one bond issue passes in 2 cities

AMERICAN FORK — Citing concerns over economic uncertainty, American Fork residents struck down five separate propositions to bond for $18.6 million in citywide improvements.

Springville residents, however, approved a $9.8 million bond for a new public library.

American Fork voters faced five separate bond propositions on the ballot Tuesday for projects to expand roads, improve Art Dye Park and expand the cemetery. But, as expressed in earlier town meetings, the majority of voters didn't think this was the right time for any of the projects.

"The bonds were not a referendum on whether the community would provide for them, but when and with what financing," Councilwoman Heidi Rodeback said. "The public's vote has indicated that this is the wrong time to make heavy capital expenditures, and the city is well-advised to hold off on these project and wait for better economic times."

Springville residents voted "yes" on the only bond proposition to past public muster in Utah County. In a 4,963-3,630 decision, voters approved the issuance of $9.8 million to construct a state-of-the-art library on the corner of Main Street and Center Street.

The bulk of the debate leading up to the vote centered around whether the city could afford to bond on the project, said City Administrator Troy Fitzgerald.

There were strong voices on each side of the debate, said Councilman Dean Olsen, but he thinks most voters were spurred by the inadequacies of the current 8,100-square-foot library.

"They're busting at the seams and can't really provide the services we feel the citizens deserve," he said. "And (the citizens) recognized this as well."

Springville officials will now seek citizen input on the design. Officials hope to build a library as large as 45,000 square feet, outfitted with up-to-date resources, by the end of 2010.

In American Fork, two of the bonds adding up to $9.3 million would have been used to improve and expand several roads, one bond of $3.85 million would have gone toward construction and improvements to Art Dye Park and Trail while another was specifically targeted at trails and open space throughout the city.

The bond that came closest to passing was targeted at improving and expanding the city cemetery. The cemetery has a moratorium on purchasing future plots. That bond would have cost $3.1 million, and it was defeated by 14 percent of the vote.