WARREN - A pair of very close tax issues ahead at the polls on Election Day stayed ahead, final results show, but one's still so close that it triggered an automatic recount.
A narrow three-vote margin after Nov. 6 had an additional 1-mill fire levy in Hartford passing, and final results released Tuesday, after provisional and final mail-in ballots were added in, show a five-vote difference for victory - one vote less than was needed to avoid a recount happening.
Official results from the Trumbull County Board of Elections show the Hartford issue winning 564 votes for to 559 against or 50.2 to 49.7 percent.
In this case, the difference required avoid a recount needed to be greater than 5.62 votes, said elections board director Kelly Pallante.
Recounts automatically happen when the margin is less than one-half of 1 percent.
The recount, done by hand of votes in one of the township's two precincts, will be Dec. 4.
The levy was sought to continue a partnership with Brookfield in a joint fire district. The deal was contingent on Hartford seeking a levy in the second year of the agreement. Hartford pays Brookfield $25,000 for service while keeping a bay at the Hartford station.
The other close measure, a 4.65-mill levy in Mathews School District, which was ahead by 16 votes has a final margin of victory of 44 votes.
It helps the district avoid an operating deficit starting next year that was forecast to reach more than $3 million by 2017. The levy will raise about $680,000 a year.
''The community has given us a heck of a vote of confidence,'' Superintendent Lou Lowery said. ''It's our job to not disappoint.''
Final numbers show voters approved the levy 50.5 percent to 49.5 percent.