April 2 will be the polling day for Missouri’s municpal elections. In addition to a few area school board races being decided, Ozark County’s registered voters will be able to decide on a proposed use tax for the county.
If approved, the measure would allow the county to collect on internet sales the same 2% sales tax now collected on purchases made at brick-and-mortar businesses in Ozark County. The tax would be split three ways with 50% going to general revenue, 25% to law enforcement and 25% to road and bridge.
Similar measures have been rejected by Ozark County voters in 2020 and 2022. Officials have told the Ozark County Times the county is one of a few in Missouri without a use-tax provision. Presiding Commissioner Terry Newton has said in most instances, the tax is already being collected by the state, but since the use tax isn’t in place, Missouri law prohibits the county from collecting on it. He adds approval of the proposal will add approximately $250,000 to the county coffers each year.
Informational meetings on the use tax have been held in recent weeks, and more are scheduled leading up to Election Day. According to the Ozark County Times, one meeting will be held Monday evening at 6 at Bakersfield R-IV School District, and another is scheduled for Thursday evening at 5:30 at the Ozark County Courthouse in Gainesville.
In addition, three candidates, including one incumbent, will square off with the top two vote-getters joining the Bakersfield School Board. Chris Bales’ current term has expired, and the other seat to fill was held by Jonathan Lashley, but it’s currently vacant. Bales will be on the ballot with Justin Turner and Andrea Russell.
Two current board members of the Gainesville R-V School District will seek reelection, and two other candidates will be the challengers. Current vice president Jabet Wade and board member Mason Eslinger will be on the ballot with Seth Miller and Nick Jones.
In Howell County, voters will decide between three candidates for two school board positions in the West Plains R-VII School District. Current president Jimmy E. Thompson and board member Brian Mitchell are running for reelection, and Shealia Harper will also appear on the ballot.
Missouri does not have early voting, but absentee ballots can be cast before 5 p.m. on April 1. To request an absentee ballot, voters can contact their county clerk or visit their county courthouse.
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