T.J. Monroe More than 200 voters turned out Saturday for the Lometa Independent School District’s bond election.

In the end, the proposition was defeated by 12 votes, 124- 112.

At stake was a $4.37 million bond package that included a gymnasium and classroom complex with a science and technology lab, as well as four additional classrooms.

Several public meetings were held prior to the start of early voting, and a political action committee supported the bond issue, but to no avail.

Lometa Superintendent David Rice said he was disappointed the bond issue didn’t pass voters’ muster. “But I certainly respect the choice of each person who voted in the election.”

Said Rice: “We’ll just continue to look to the future. We knew if the bond issue didn’t pass we would still make it because we have a good school and high academics. We will continue to do what we do and keep striving for the best.”

And in a low voter turnout for the Place 4 Lampasas City Council seat, T.J. Monroe and Wesley Alexander faced off, with Mrs. Monroe coming out ahead, 71 to 57.

The seat previously was held by Wanda Bierschwale, who did not run for re-election.

In unopposed council races, incumbent Evan Stubbs polled 103 votes for Place 3, while Place 5 incumbent Les Gerhardt garnered 107 votes.

The Lometa City Council had several positions up for election, including that of Mayor Cynthia Kirby. Unopposed, she earned 76 votes.

Four candidates vied for a pair of two-year council terms. The top two vote-getters were incumbent Betty Poe, who received 67 votes, and Carlos Garcia, who polled 45 votes.

Dale Germany, who got 35 votes, and Rigoberto Reyes, who took three votes, were unsuccessful in their election bids. Chuck Lymber did not run for his council seat.

Also Saturday, Susan Hines received 67 votes, and Kyle Walton earned 40 votes for two one-year at-large council seats, previously filled by Walton and Mario Maldonado.