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SISSETON, S.D. (AP) Voters in Roberts County have overwhelmingly decided against opting out of the state property tax freeze.

Tuesday's vote was 1,214 against and only 330 in favor of the move.

County commissioners have been dealing with tight finances, in part because of the recent construction of a new county jail in Sisseton. The opt out would have allowed them to increase the annual budget by up to $500,000 per year for up to five years.

Auditor Dawn Sattler says 24 percent of eligible voters turned out for the election.

Information from: KWAT-AM (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-30-09 0645CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list