A mill levy funding healthcare in Artesia rejected earlier this year by voters, won apparent approval Tuesday as 1,657 people voted for it and 591 voted against it, according to unofficial results from the Eddy County Clerk’s office.

Six months ago, voters turned down the mill levy, which was enacted in 1979 to fund healthcare services for Artesia General Hospital.

Only 12% of the more than 10,000 ballots mailed in June were returned to the Eddy County Clerk’s office.

Hospital officials hoped that situations from the mail-only election would be clarified during Tuesday’s vote, along with a misunderstanding throughout the community of what the tax revenue would pay for.

During the June election, 638 voted against the mill levy and 608 voted for it.

Artesia General Hospital’s website indicated the mill levy would set $2.70 per $1,000 of net taxable property.

“In a rural setting, this community investment helps ensure access to a full range of essential healthcare services for local residents,” according to the website.

The mill levy would be around until 2029.

“I’m proud that our community voted to continue the mill levy. The mill levy is used for operational costs, provider recruitment, equipment purchases and maintaining emergency services,” said District 5 Artesia Special Hospital District Board member Karen Waldrip in a text message to the Artesia Daily Press Tuesday night.

District 5 Artesia Special Hospital District Board of Directors

Waldrip, the incumbent, retained her seat in District 5 despite two challengers.

The 42-year-old was elected in 2021 and is a pharmacist at Lowell’s Pharmacy.

Unofficial results shown she had 368 votes. Challenger Perry Williams had 145 votes, and David Romine had 69 votes.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served my district that last four years. I’ve received an outpouring of support from our community during my campaign for re-election and am especially thankful for those who helped me,” she said.

District 1 Artesia Public Schools Board of Education

Incumbent Jeffery David Conklin won re-election defeating challenger Dennis P Garcia with 396-136.

All results are unofficial and will be canvassed by the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners.