Ottawa County primary results: Holland Schools bond passes, candidates advance in races

OTTAWA COUNTY — With a voter turnout of nearly 18 percent, unofficial results from the Tuesday, Aug. 5, primary special election in Ottawa County show a mix of expected and surprising outcomes. 

The race for Ferrysburg mayor is set for a November runoff, while voters in Zeeland selected six council candidates to advance. Additionally, a significant bond proposal for the Holland City School District passed with strong support.

Of the 35,096 registered voters, 6,173 cast ballots, according to unofficial results from the Ottawa County Clerk's Office. 

The results for key races and a bond proposal are as follows:

City of Ferrysburg: Mayor

In the primary race for Ferrysburg Mayor, Richard Carlson and Jerry Sias emerged as the top two vote-getters and will advance to the general election in November. Carlson secured 385 votes, while Sias received 160. Tim O'Donnell, who was also on the ballot, received 152 votes.

City of Zeeland: Council Member

A crowded field of seven candidates vied for six spots on the ballot for the City of Zeeland Council. Six candidates will move on to compete for three seats in the November election. Amy Langeland was the top vote-getter with 474 votes. Other candidates advancing include Andrew Bult (387), Rebecca Perkins (371), Kylee DeBoer (368), Glenn T. Kass (318), and Ericka Humbert (223). Hillery McAlpine received 163 votes and did not advance.

Special election results

• City of Holland Public Schools bond proposal: Voters authorized the district to borrow up to $49.25 million for various school improvements. The proposal passed with 3,170 "yes" votes to 1,301 "no" votes. The proposal aims to ensure that every K-5 student will have updated learning spaces by fall 2028. A primary component of this effort is the renovation of Jefferson Elementary, which complements ongoing work at Holland Heights and West Elementary schools. The projects are part of a district reorganization, spelled out in the district’s Five-Year Facility Plan.
• Ravenna Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal: The proposal, a renewal of 18.477 mills on non-homestead properties for five years, was approved by a vote of 58-39. This millage, which helps fund school operations, will be in effect from 2026 to 2030.

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.