Over 35% of Washington’s registered voters cast ballots in the special election that decided against $3 million in bonds to help fund a new YMCA facility. Washington County Auditor Dan Widmer states the turnout “indicates the high level of interest related to the public measure that was on the ballot.” Overall, 76% of those who voted said no to the measure. In last November’s election 936 people voted in Washington’s four wards, compared to 1,710 this election.

One of those who voted against it was Gerald Franzen who said he felt it was a waste of time and that there are other issues to worry about, like sewage problems.

Also, the $3,000 cost for the special election is being covered by the YMCA.