Election results certified

CHENEY – Spokane County election officials have certified the results of the Nov. 2 general election.

There were no major changes between the initial ballot counting and certification day, Nov. 23, officials said.

Voters here called for all taxes to be repealed in the advisory votes.

That includes the tax on phone lines to pay for mental health and suicide prevention services (No. 36), a capital gains tax increased education and child services (No. 37), and a tax on captive insurers.

The city of Cheney’s election results were solidified, as well.

Results show the city will welcome newcomers and incumbents to the city government chambers.

Mayor Chris Grover retains his position with 92.39% of the vote.

The City Council will be welcoming new members to its bi-monthly meetings.

In contested races, council Position No. 3 featured a heater of race between Jacqueline Belock and Mark Posthuma. Posthuma won by an slim margin, bringing in 50.75% of the vote to Belock’s 48.93%.

This race was decided by 29 votes.

And unchallenged incumbentsPaul Schmidt and Teresa Overhauser retained their seats with almost 93% and 95% of the vote, respectively.

The Cheney School Board will also be welcoming two new members.

Longtime incumbents Marcie Estrellado, 56, and Suzanne Dolle, 68, both lost their respective races.

Estrellado will be giving her seat to Mark L. Scott, 44, while Dolle will be replaced by Zachary Zorrozua, 38.

During the Nov. 17 School Board meeting, Estrellado and Dolle were commended for their service.

Superintendent rob Roettger and members of the community took time to thank them for their efforts in helping students thrive.

Zorrozua and Smith both knocked off the veteran politicians during their pilot runs for a public office with 56.66% and 53.93% of the vote, respectively.

Zorrozua is a lifelong Cheney resident who graduated from Cheney High School and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2007 with a master’s degree in social work.

Registered voters also elected to pass Proposition No. 1, which restores the city of Cheney’s regular property tax levy.

The measure provides funds for public safety while restoring the maximum regular levy for collection in 2022 to $3.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The tax will cost the owner of a home valued at $300,000 about $930 annually.

The levy will increase in 2023 through 2027 at 106% and the 2027 levy amount will be used to assess the limitations for future levies beyond these dates.