POLK COUNTY, Iowa — Cities across central Iowa are electing new city leadership Tuesday night, but that's not all that was on the ballot this Election Day.
Voters weighed in on their cities newest projects, whether it's general obligation bonds or public measures.
Ballots differed from city and county, since 2023 is an election off-year.
Webster County Jail
In Webster County, voters did not reach the 60% required to approve a referendum for a new jail and sheriff's office.
Webster County leaders told Local 5 a new facility is necessary, as the current jail has numerous safety issues and is often at inmate capacity.
In early September, 40 inmates had to be outsourced to other detention facilities.
To fund this project, a $45.5 million 20-year general obligation fund was on the ballot. This would have had a tax impact on residents.
Pella Library
Pella residents voted down a measure that would have altered how the Pella Library Board of Trustees is selected and maintained, or maybe replaced altogether.
The race was close, with 51.09% of voters against the measure and nearly 49% in favor of it.
The new organization would've limited the Library Board of Trustees' authority over the affairs of the Pella Public Library, instead putting the library's rules and regulations in the hands of Pella City Council. The city administrator would also supervise the library staff.
The petition was signed by at least 10% of the last election's total turnout and approved by city council, but ultimately it did not pass.
To read the full public measure, click here.