Minot residents turn down rec cntr

MINOT, N.D. (AP) – Minot residents by a 2-to-1 margin have said no to an $88 million aquatic and recreation center.

Unofficial results from Tuesday’s election show that only 33 percent of the 5,650 voters supported a tax system amendment to pay for the 450,000-square foot facility. City residents would have paid the highest sales tax in the state, but their property taxes would have been lower.

The proposed Minot Aquatics and Recreation Center would have had a water park, a 50-meter competition pool and a warm water therapy pool. It also would have included a multisport turf area, a 400-meter track, an indoor playground, a child care center, a senior citizen event area and fitness equipment.

Outspoken opponent Jim Soltis told the Minot Daily News that residents feel they’re taxed enough.