Portage County voters rejected a renewal levy for the Portage County Library District and approved a renewal levy for the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities in Tuesday’s elections.

Issue 26 is a 1 mill renewal levy proposed by the board and staff of the Portage County Library District. The board identified a need for more funding for the libraries to serve residents and visitors more efficiently.

The levy would have raised $2.4 million over five years starting in 2016.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, 46.81 voted for the levy, and 53.19 percent voted against the levy.

With Issue 26 not passing, this means the libraries will have to continue operating on reduced hours and will not be able to purchase new materials and expand on programs for children and adults. This also means that the plans of the libraries expanding to other communities will not be funded as well.

Issue 27 is a 1.8 mill renewal levy proposed by the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities. It will generate $4 million a year starting in 2015 to start a continuing period of time without increasing taxes. It will also account for 20 percent of the board’s revenue sources.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, 68.98 percent of voters approved the levy, and 31.02 percent voted against the levy.

The levy will enhance support services for those who utilize the Board of Developmental Disabilities’ services.

These results were released around 7 a.m. this morning due to a server issue with the Portage County Board of Elections Tuesday night.

Zach Downes is a city reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].