Jefferson County voters weighed three local funding measures on the May 19 primary ballot alongside contested races for sheriff and county commissioner. Two of the three measures passed — but not the one that library supporters had been working toward for years.

Jefferson County Library District Bond: Fails at 65.7%

For the second consecutive election cycle, Jefferson County voters rejected a bond measure to fund a new library building. As of Wednesday morning results, 65.73% of voters cast “no” ballots, with just over a third supporting the measure.

The proposal would have funded construction of a new library building across the street from the current Madras location at 241 S.E. Seventh St., with the existing building converted into a community center. A similar bond failed in 2025. This iteration was revised based on that earlier defeat, but voters again turned it down.

For a homeowner with a 00,000 assessed home value, the bond would have cost roughly 23 per year.

The Jefferson County Library District has not yet commented on next steps following the second consecutive defeat.

Camp Sherman Road District #18 Tax Levy: Passes with 79.7%

Voters strongly backed the Camp Sherman Road District’s tax levy renewal, approving it with 79.74% of the vote. The levy renewal does not increase the rate for existing taxpayers — it simply continues funding already in place — and would generate 6,593 in revenue for 2027–28 to support road maintenance and safety improvements in the Camp Sherman area.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District Levy: Passes at 64.7%

Voters also approved a new operating levy for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District, with 64.67% in favor. Unlike the road levy, this was a new levy rather than a renewal.

The district, which serves the Camp Sherman community in western Jefferson County, has seen a 65% increase in emergency calls over the past 15 years without any corresponding increase in staffing. The levy will fund additional firefighter-paramedic positions to address that gap.

For a homeowner with a 00,000 assessed home value, the levy adds approximately 20 per year to their property tax bill.

What’s Next

All results remain unofficial pending certification by the Jefferson County Clerk. Final certified results are expected by June 25, 2026. Voters interested in reviewing updated totals can visit the Jefferson County Clerk’s elections page at jeffco.net.

With another library bond defeat on the books, questions remain about what path forward — if any — exists for the library district’s long-pursued expansion goals.