Voters across Benton County headed to the polls Tuesday for the April municipal election, weighing in on local leadership races, tax questions and a closely watched pair of issues that could change how residents get around Warsaw.
Among the most anticipated results were two ballot questions asking whether to allow Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and golf carts to operate within Warsaw city limits. According to unofficial results Tuesday night, voters approved both measures, with the UTV question passing 198 votes to 167, or 54.25% to 45.75%. The golf cart question also passed, receiving 212 votes to 154, or 57.92% to 42.08% .
The measures, which had been the subject of months of debate, will allow the operation of the vehicles on city streets under certain conditions, including licensing, insurance and permitting requirements. Supporters have argued the change will increase accessibility and convenience, while opponents have raised concerns about safety, enforcement and traffic impacts. The results suggest a majority of voters were willing to move forward with allowing both types of vehicles, bringing resolution to one of the most discussed local issues in recent months.
In the City of Warsaw mayoral race, Eric Masoner secured the seat with 190 votes, or 53.98%, defeating Mark Breshears, who received 123 votes (34.94%), and Kevin Dockery with 39 votes (11.08%) .
In alderman races, Ward 1 candidate Rob Coskey was elected unopposed with 107 votes. In Ward 2, Tyler Mutch defeated Thomas Hubert with 57 votes (58.76%) to 40 votes (41.24%). In Ward 3, Kaci Cooner prevailed over Elvin Ehrhardt with 63 votes (67.02%) to 31 votes (32.98%) .
Countywide, voters approved a measure aimed at limiting property tax increases on primary residences for eligible taxpayers, with 1,127 votes in favor (67.08%) and 553 opposed (32.92%) .
School board races across the county also brought decisions in multiple districts. In the Lincoln R-II School District, Adam Scott led the field with 181 votes, followed by Susyn Sanders (151), and Whitney Schnakenberg (146). In Climax Springs R-IV, Shannon Hodges and Cody Noell each received three votes, followed by Ryan Williams with two and Maryellen Noland with one. In the Wheatland R-II race, Sara Box and Brett Manczuk each received one vote .
In the Henry County R-I (Windsor) School District, Jason Heany received 14 votes, followed by Scott Swigert with 13, Thomas Dean Hampton with eight and Joanna Kay Siercks-Waggoner with seven. In the Weaubleau R-III race, Jason Daggett and Brian Hackleman each received two votes, while Joel Stokes and Jonathan Ely Murray each received one .
In the Morgan County R-I School District, voters rejected the proposed operating tax levy increase, with 75% voting against it.
Emergency services funding questions also appeared on the ballot. The Warsaw-Lincoln Ambulance District proposal for a local use tax passed with 611 votes (53.22%) in favor and 537 votes (46.78%) opposed. The Cole Camp Ambulance District measure to implement a sales tax while reducing property taxes also passed, with 269 votes (52.23%) in favor and 246 votes (47.77%) opposed .
In Cole Camp, voters also decided several key city leadership races. Nicole Brown-Garrett was elected mayor, defeating Diane M. Burdick with 233 votes (71.47%) to 93 votes (28.53%). In the East Ward alderman race, David Massingill prevailed over Klark Bohling with 120 votes (72.29%) to 46 votes (27.71%). In the West Ward, Jeremiah Crider was elected unopposed.
In Lincoln, Glen Nelson was elected mayor with 91 votes, while Trey Brown and Seth Casey were elected to the East and West Ward alderman seats, respectively, both running unopposed .
Additional results included Michael Cundiff winning the Northwest Fire Protection District six-year term with 75% of the vote, and Twyla Craven securing the four-year term with 100% of the vote .
Voter turnout for the election was 1,731 ballots cast out of 15,799 registered voters, representing 10.96% participation .
With results now in, attention will turn to implementation and what the outcomes mean for communities across Benton County, particularly in Warsaw, where the approval of UTV and golf cart use will soon move from debate to reality.
