Norfolk government officials in support of a proposed financing initiative suffered a significant blow during the recent general election.

A ballot initiative, which would have raised local tax by a half cent in Norfolk, lost by more than 2,500 votes.

The proposal would have raised funds for police, roads and a large aquatic center.

Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning says that even though the initiative suffered defeat, the underlying projects are still there.

He said without the extra funding, community leaders are now discussing other avenues for funding.

"Property tax is another," Moenning said. "I don't think there is great appetite. I don't think elected officials want to further burden people with increased property taxes. Then there is an ability to leverage existing funds through bonding which we have to do in some circumstances to finance large infrastructure projects."

Despite the proposal suffering a resounding loss at the ballot box, Moenning said that the process was still beneficial as it opened a discussion about community needs with its citizens.

He says the sales tax increase was ambitious, and if it were ever to be re-represented, it would have modifications.

Moenning says larger community projects such as the police department expansion and renovation will now require longer time frames and possibly more funding with the rising costs of inflation.