On Tuesday, Guthrie voters decided it was time for a change in the City of Guthrie’s charter when it comes to sewer and water rates. With a majority vote, citizens will now decide if utility rates should increase or not, instead of seven elected city officials.
Guthrie becomes the second city in the state (Norman) to allow a vote of the people for an increase of utility rates.
The yes votes out numbered the no votes in each of the 9 precincts. Overall, the proposition passed 783 votes to 529.
Results are not official until certified by the Logan County Election Board, which is expected to be completed on Friday.
“The City of Guthrie respects the results from the election held on August 23, 2016,” City Manager Bruce Johnson said.
“The City of Guthrie and the Guthrie Public Works Authority will continue to pursue all options available to continue to protect their ability to provide clean water, safe wastewater, public safety, better streets and all other services affected by yesterday’s vote.”
The City was ordered by the Supreme Court to hold the election after the Oklahoma Court of Appeals overturned a Logan County judge’s decision, which ruled in favor of the City, on the initiative petition presented by former city Councilwoman Patty Hazlewood and resident Karen Schandorf on Sept. 7, 2008. Related story: Appeals court overturns decision on Guthrie’s water and sewer rate increases
Hazlewood and Schandorf have been proposing the city should not be allowed to raise water and sewer rates, but instead be submitted to the legal voters of the city for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election or at a special election. Related story: Judge denies petition; rules in favor for City of Guthrie
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