Patti Jo Peterson
Managing editor

Plattsmouth voters overwhelming approved Propositions I and II in an election, which ended Nov. 10.

Main Street Executive Director Charles Jones shared the unofficial results of the vote at city hall Tuesday afternoon with council members and Committee for Proposition I and II members, shortly after the 1,236 votes were totaled by the Cass County Election Commissioners Office.

Proposition I, which increases Plattsmouth sales tax by 1/2 cent, received 856 votes for and 375 against. Nearly 70 percent of the votes were for its passage with a little over 30 percent against.

A total of 759 ballots were cast in favor of Proposition 2, which extended the 1 percent sales tax increase first approved in 2003. A little over 61 percent of the voters were for extending the tax, while 38.39 percent opposed it.

"I’m pleased to say both propositions passed," Jones said as a preface to sharing the vote counts. "I thank you for what you’ve done."

Committee members supported the passage by talking one-on-one with voters, erecting signs in the community, sending letters of support to voters and conducting six town hall meetings about the propositions.

"I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a better group," Jones said. "This vote was not even close. Our citizens really got it."

Jones credited business owners who were brave enough to post signs of support in their businesses, risking turning their customers away.

"Plattsmouth is on the move," Jones said. "Now we’ve got work to do."

Plattsmouth City Administrator thanked Jones for his tireless efforts in getting information out about the election.

"It’s a real victory for Plattsmouth," he said.

Mayor Paul Lambert indicated the vote would impact the city not only now but 20 years into the future. "This is where is will show Plattsmouth really stepped forward. This will be a milestone in Plattsmouth," the mayor said.

Mayor Paul Lambert indicated the vote would impact the city not only now but 20 years into the future. "This is where is will show Plattsmouth really stepped forward. This will be a milestone in Plattsmouth," the mayor said.

As the Election Day approached, Jones said he feared there were still gaps in understanding the importance of supporting both propositions.

"It will be interesting to look at the precinct votes," Jones said.

Councilwoman Ruth Wassinger thanked the committee for its "superb advertising campaign."

"We as city officials do not take anything for granted," she said. "You didn’t need to use the services of a professional campaign company."

Wassinger said her son, Andrew, who is attending graduate school in Columbus, Ohio, also voted for the propositions. Andrew retains permanent residence in Plattsmouth and is still registered as a voter here.

"This will really be the future for Plattsmouth," Andrew told his mother.

Jones also credited city council members for their forward thinking on the sales tax increases.

"The only problem now is that we’ve got a lot of work to do," Portis said jokingly.

Jones said he was surprised that no solid opposition ever formed against the propositions.

"It was a very curious election in all respects. I’m just surprised at the low turnout," Jones said. "I think I lost 10 signs out of 100 and I think two of them blew away. The signs did work…History was made in Plattsmouth tonight and you’re the ones who made that happen."

Proposition II revenues will be used for economic development, tax abatement and street and sidewalk repairs. Proposition I, the 1/2-cent increase, will be used for sidewalk and street improvements, starting with downtown Plattsmouth.