Voters will decide on a variety of important issues tonight. We will update results as they come in. For a look at the major issues on the ballot in Helena and Great Falls, see below.

11:40 p.m. update*

EAST HELENA HIGH SCHOOL

In East Helena, voters will decide whether or not to build a new high school. East Helena is one of three elementary school districts in Montana that have the option to build high schools of their own if voters approve a $29.5 million bond. The Montana Legislature passed a law last year allowing elementary school districts with more than 1,000 students to expand into K-12 districts. If the levy is approved, it would raise taxes by $34.21 per month on a home valued at $200,000. Currently, residents in East Helena pay taxes to the Helena School District to support high school students.

For:  1,952…61.5%

Against:  1,223…38.5%

HELENA GENERAL FUND LEVIES

Helena Public Schools is proposing two additional levies. One would apply only to the Helena elementary school district and would raise taxes $6.37 a year on a home valued at $200,000. The other would be applied to the entire high school district – including Helena, East Helena, Wolf Creek and Canyon Creek – and would increase taxes on a $200,000 home by $2.27 a year. The elementary levy would raise an additional $239,983 a year, while the high school levy would raise $107,171. Superintendent Jack Copps said the money collected would increase salaries about 1.5 percent for more than 800 employees.

Helena Elementary School General Fund Levy ($239,983 per year)

For:  8,729…59.45%

Against:  5,954…40.55%

Helena High School General Fund Levy ($107.171 per year)

For:  10,477…57.14%

Against:  7,859…42.86%

BROADWATER HOSPITAL

Voters in the Broadwater hospital district will decide whether to renew the property tax levy. This year, the district board is asking for a larger levy, to pay for additional maintenance needs at the health center.

For: 555…41.08%

Against: 796…58.91%

GREAT FALLS SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES

The school district is appointing two new trustees, one for a three-year term and another for a 2-year term. The candidates for the three-year term are Teresa Schreiner, Judy Tankink, and Laura Wight. Candidates seeking a two-year term are Barbara Going, Jacob Griffith and Kim Skornogoski.

Three Year Term Trustee (Vote for 1)

Teresa Schreiner: 5,920…38.95%

Judy Tankink:  5,216…34.32%

Laura Wight:  3,843…25.28%

Two Year Term Trustee (Vote for 1)

Barbara Going:  5,454…35.5%

Jacob Griffith:  3,206…20.86%

Kim Skornogoski:  6,507…42.35%

GREAT FALLS PARK DISTRICT 1 PROPOSAL

The purpose of the district is to provide certain maintenance, purchasing, and improvement services for city-owned facilities, land, and equipment. Some of the proposed services include restroom improvements for Gibson, Oddfellows, and Lions parks, picnic pavilions and tables, play equipment and resurfacing sports courts.

For:  8,279…55.13%

Against:  6,738…44.86%

GREAT FALLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPERATIONAL LEVY

This would keep programs, such as the Environmental Education Program, going and prevent jobs from being cut costing taxpayers close to $1.4 million.

For:  8,056…45.50%

Against:  9,648…54.49%

*All results unofficial until canvassed