The June 10 referendum vote to prohibit new gravel pits won with a tally of 450 yeses to 268 nos.
The last minute tactic on the part of the Ames Family Trust to sway the vote with the threat of a lawsuit failed to alter the outcome. The Ames family is attempting to sell their gravel-rich hill for $990,000. The property’s assessed value is $20,000 for which they pay $186 per year in property taxes.
Turnout for the vote was heavy for a primary, with nearly 50% of Lamoine registered voters voting on the gravel issue. Even with this solid mandate from the people of Lamoine, our elected officials will need to be reminded of their duty to enforce the new law.
