Black Jack officials were surprised late Tuesday when they learned that more than 42 percent of voters in Tuesday's election opposed a measure allowing the city to reduce it's sewer lateral fee. The measure passed 447-327 in unofficial results, and Mayor Norman McCourt said Wednesday he will immediately ask the council to set a rate of zero for this year.

"I was sure surprised," he said. "I hadn't heard any complaints, even any questions. Why would people be against this?"

Under the $28 annual rate imposed since voters approved the sewer lateral fee in 2003, about $200,000 has accumulated in the fund. The fund finances about 10 projects a year, with a $3,000 maximum payment. McCourt said Black Jack's City Council will likely consider the zero fee when it meets on Aug. 17.

The council will also begin the process to set the 2010 property tax rate, which was 49.5 cents per $100 of assessed property value in 2009.