A Butler County judge has certified the results of a hand recount for a Poplar Bluff use tax measure, with the item failing 377-380.
The recount of 757 ballots took approximately an hour and a half Wednesday morning, said Butler County Clerk Tonyi Deffendall.
The measure failed by four votes.
Poplar Bluff City Manager Matt Winters said he appreciated the professionalism of Deffendall and her staff.
“Although disappointing, the process worked as it was designed to work,” he said.
The recount found changes in wards 2 and 4.
Uncertified election results for Ward 2 were 90-75 on election night, and 90-76 following the recount.
Uncertified election results for Ward 4 were 153-142 on election night, and 153-140 following the recount.
The total number of ballots was reduced from 758 on election night to 757 following the recount.
Deffendall previously said the recount allows human eyes to see the ballot as the voter intended.
Winters said Wednesday he will recommend the city council place the item on the ballot again.
“I am not sure how soon that will happen,” he said. “I do feel there is support from the community and this close race has demonstrated that.”
The use tax would tax certain internet purchases at the same rate that those purchases would be taxed if made at a brick and mortar store.
A team of four polling judges participated in the hand recount, which was a closed process. The names of the individuals were submitted and approved by the judge.