A proposed permanent ban on psilocybin-related businesses in Philomath clung to a seven-vote lead in the latest count of May 19 primary returns, the closest of any local contest on a ballot that otherwise delivered comfortable margins for a fire district levy and seven city annexations.
Measure 2-147, which would prohibit psilocybin-related businesses and product manufacturing within Philomath city limits, led 839 yes votes (50.21%) to 832 no votes (49.79%) in results updated Thursday morning by the Benton County Records and Elections Department.
The margin has tightened with each count — from 44 votes on election night to 27 votes later that evening and now just seven.
The county reported 28,133 ballots counted out of 61,166 active registered voters Thursday morning, for a turnout of 45.99%. The results remain unofficial and the next update is planned for May 29.
Philomath voters approved a temporary psilocybin ban in 2022 while the City Council studied the issue and extended the moratorium two years later. That extension is set to expire this year. If the measure passes, it would block psilocybin service centers and manufacturers from operating in the city. If it fails, those establishments could move forward subject to time, place and manner restrictions the council has already adopted by ordinance.
In the contested Democratic primary for Benton County commissioner, challenger John Wilson held a steady lead over incumbent Pat Malone. Wilson led 6,862 to 6,372 — a margin of 490 votes, or 51.78% to 48.08%. Write-ins accounted for 19 votes.
Philomath Fire and Rescue’s Measure 2-155, a five-year local operating levy for fire rescue personnel and operations, continued to pass comfortably with 10,200 yes votes (82.45%) to 2,171 no votes (17.55%).
All seven annexation measures referred by the City Council were passing in updated returns.