Voters Pass 911 Funding, Reject Use Tax in Schuyler County Election

By Editor | April 8, 2025 |

SCHUYLER COUNTY — Voters across Schuyler County made their voices heard in the April 8 municipal election, deciding on city leadership, a county board member, and two countywide ballot questions. Voter turnout stood at 21.46%, with 557 ballots cast from 2,596 registered voters.

Countywide Propositions

Voters approved a countywide 911 funding measure, with 318 “Yes” votes (57.71%) and 233 “No” votes (42.29%).

However, a proposed local use tax narrowly failed. The measure drew 276 “No” votes (50.83%) compared to 267 “Yes” votes (49.17%).

City Races

Lancaster

Mayor: Donald Derickson won a three-way race with 71 votes (46.71%). Lucas McElhinney received 44 votes (28.95%) and James L. Foster earned 37 (24.34%).
Southward Alderman: Tommy F. Roberts narrowly topped a tight race with 25 votes (37.88%), followed closely by Janet Elaine Nichols with 24 (36.36%) and Ryan Jeffrey Meader with 17 (25.76%).
Northward Alderman: Cole Tippett was unopposed and received all 73 votes cast.

Downing

Northward Alderman: Bobby Garrett defeated Deb Small 14–5, winning 73.68% of the vote.
Southward Alderman: Ray Bange was unopposed and earned all 15 votes cast.
City Marshal: No votes were cast for the Downing Marshal position.

Greentop

Mayor: Sarah Crawford ran unopposed and received all 34 votes cast.
Alderman (Vote for 2): Rob Small and Jacqueline March were elected, receiving 32 votes (39.51%) and 26 votes (32.10%) respectively. Tosha Watkins received 23 votes (28.40%).

Queen City

Mayor: John March was unopposed and received 76 votes.
Alderman (Vote for 2): Shane Aldridge led the race with 58 votes (36.48%), followed by Brenda Barnes with 55 (34.59%) and Becky Douglas with 46 (28.93%).