Voters approved a ballot measure enabling the City of Grand Junction to proceed with plans to construct a community recreation center.

Voter also elected four people to the Grand Junction City Council. Cody Kennedy, Jason Nguyen and Scott Beilfuss won first terms on the council. Anna Stout was unopposed in her bid for a second term.

Referred Measure 1A on the municipal election ballot asked voters to decide on a proposed increase in city sales and use taxes from 3.25 percent to 3.39 percent to help finance construction and operation of a community recreation center.

According to final but still unofficial election results, the measure passed with 10,954 yes votes to 7,177 no votes.

Kennedy won in a District A race that also included Jamie Porta and Sanra Weckerly. Kennedy received 10,146 votes, while Porta received 3,564 votes and Weckerly 3,522.

Ngyuen won election in District B with 10,061 votes. Greg Haitz received 6,183 votes and Michael Deuel 894 votes.

In a closer race for an at-large seat on the council, Beilfuss edged out Diane Schwenke. Beilfuss received 8,621 votes, while Schwenke received 8,389 votes.

The city council adopted a community recreation center plan to construct the facility at Matchett Park with funding from the sales and use tax increase for as well as taxes on cannabis sales.

The measured approved by voters allows the city to increase debt up to
$70 million with a repayment cost of $148.5 million to construct, equip and operate a community recreation center.

The center is expected to include a multi-sport gymnaisum, fitness and weights area, indoor track ad meeting rooms as well as an aquatic center with a lap pool, leisure pool, lazy river and water playground.

Voters also approved a second referred measure on the ballot allowing the city to lease a parcel on Struthers Avenue near Las Colonias Park to Colorado Discover Ability. The nonprofit organization provides adaptable outdoor recreation to people with disabilities.

The four people elected to the Grand Junction City Council will bring varied experiences to their positions.

Kennedy operates a rental homes business. He retired after 17 years as a Grand Junction police officer.

Nguyen works as a site manager for the U.S. Department of Energy.

A retired sales representative and small business owner, Beilfuss has been active in community issues and politics.

Stout serves as the executive director of the Roice-Hurst Humane Society. She was first elected to the council in 2019. She’s since served as mayor pro tem and mayor.