SILVERTON — An increase in the city income tax hangs in the balance, awaiting the count of so-called provisional votes, and then a recount.

        On Tuesday, a quarter-percent increase, intended to fund street repairs, went to the voters. In the unofficial tally, the vote was tied, 287-287.

        The Hamilton County Board of Elections has two weeks to count provisional walk-in votes, people who have moved from one precinct to another and are allowed to vote in the new precinct.

        Sally Krisel, an elections board administrator, said those votes must be checked to make sure the voter was registered. That's important “because one or two votes can make a difference.”

        Ms. Krisel said a recount, which could take up to two weeks, will follow. If the vote remains tied after both counts are complete, the issue fails.

        The tie vote surprised some city officials who thought the measure would pass.

        “I figured the vote would be close, but I never thought it would end in a tie,” said Councilman Michael Morthorst. “It is premature to talk about putting the issue back on the ballot, but I guess that is what we will have to do if it eventually fails.”

        The extra quarter percent would have generated $230,000 a year. It also would have added $75 to the tax bill of a resident earning $30,000 a year. That resident pays $300 under the current 1-percent tax.

        David Waltz, municipal manager, said the city does not have enough money for street repairs. He said the bulk of the city's budget goes for such operations as fire, police, trash collection, street cleaning and snow removal.

        He said the city is behind on street repairs and should be spending $400,000 to $500,000 on repairs. Silverton has 64 streets in need of repairs. Some do not qualify for state grant money, he said.

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