Voters in Maryville approved a 5% hotel/motel guest tax to help fund a new multipurpose complex on campus at Northwest Missouri State University.

According to results from the Nodaway County Clerk’s Office, 2,156 voters said “yes,” compared to 1,659 voting “no.” That’s a 53% to 41% margin.

In other election results, Nodaway County will have a new sheriff soon. Republican Randy Strong ousted incumbent Democrat Darren White by a 52 to 45% margin.

The final tally was 5,049 voting for Strong, and 4,386 for White.

The proposed $20 million Northwest Multipurpose Center would also provide space on campus for off-season athletic training.

City officials estimate the tax would generate about $215,000 per year. Tax funds would pay off about 17% of the $20 million facility and would also fund tourism and marketing efforts in the city. The university hopes to get private donations and other sources to pay for the remaining $16.5 million during the school’s capital campaign.

Northwest Missouri State President Dr. John Jasinski told the Maryville City Council in August that the center represents the largest public/private partnership in the 111-year history of the university.