A proposed referendum by Levy County to offer qualified new and existing businesses tax exemptions to spur job growth passed by a wide margin Nov. 4 on election night.

Sixty-two percent of voters (7,907) were in favor of offering the incentive, while 38% (4,887) were opposed to it, according to unofficial Supervisor of Elections office results. By law, county referendums need a 50% plus one vote to pass.

The county will now create an ordinance detailing how the exemptions would be applied on a case-by-case basis for applying businesses. This is great news for a business community seeing positive signs with job growth, lower unemployment and some expansions.

To read about other great news produced on the Nature Coast, read your latest November newsletter.