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Voters across Orange County made their voices heard Saturday in elections spanning from mayor to school district tax concerns.

Orange County reported a total of 3,248 votes cast: 341 absentee, 1,710 through early voting and 1,197 on Election Day.

There are 52,927 registered voters in Orange County.

Contested election results:

For mayor of Bridge City, David Rutledge secured 402 votes (61.28 percent) to top Carl Harbert (254 votes, 38.72 percent).

In the race for Orange County Drainage District Pct. 2, Larry E. Ancelot Jr. (348 votes/67.57 percent) topped Rchard Capaldi (167 votes/32.43 percent).

In the race for Orange County Drainage District Pct. 3, James Scales (839 votes/61.38 percent) defeated Seth Mize (528 votes/38.62 percent).

In the race for Vidor Independent School District Position 2, Carrie Vincent secured 411 votes (47.96 percent), followed by Paul Davis (384 votes/44.81 percent) and Matthew Dewitt (62 votes/7.23 percent)

In Orange County Emergency Services District No. 1, Proposition A was voted down, with 465 (52.78 percent) voting against and 416 voting for (47.22 percent).

The proposition was proposed as the adoption of a local sales and use tax in Orange County Emergency Services District No. 1 at a rate not to exceed one and one-half percent (1.5%) in any location in the district.

Voters did pass West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District Proposition A by a 57.71 percent to 42.29 percent margin (333 votes to 244 votes).

It calls for the issuance of $72 million bonds for the construction, acquisition, renovation, expansion, improvement and equipment of school buildings in the district including (I) construction of a new North Early Learning Center and (II) district-wide security and site improvements and the purchase of new school buses; and the levying of a tax to pay the principal and the costs of any related credit agreements. This is a property tax increase.

School District Superintendent Dr. Rickie Harris he and the Board of Trustees are humbled by the trust placed in us by the voters of West Orange-Cove CISD.

“Your endorsement not only validates our efforts but also your dedication to the well-being and education of our children,” Harris said.
With the approval of the bond proposition, Harris said the district pledges to uphold its commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. Every dollar will be meticulously managed to ensure the successful execution of construction projects aimed at enhancing the learning environment for students.