FERRIDAY — Ferriday voters said “yes” Saturday to a 10-mill tax renewal dedicated to public safety for the town.

The final count was 108 votes for and 37 votes against.

Mayor Gene Allen said he was pleased to see the measure pass, but also upset at the low voter turnout.

“It did pass, and I’m thankful for that, but those numbers are low,” Allen said. “If it had not passed, we would have had to shut a lot of things down and not been able to provide fire and police protection to our citizens.

“We need to educate the citizens to support millages and get out and vote for our community.”

The tax contributes funds to the payment of salaries and other personnel costs related to fire and police protection and acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and operating fire protection and police facilities and equipment.

The 10-mill tax will provide an estimated $110,695 from 2013 to 2022.