Dora school levy, ambulance tax to be decided by Ozark County voters

Ozark County voters will head to the polls Tuesday, April 7, for Missouri’s General Municipal Election with school funding, emergency services and several local races appearing on the ballot.One of the most closely watched issues is a proposed tax levy increase for the Dora R-III School District. Proposition L.D.S. asks voters whether to authorize an increase in the district’s operating tax levy to help maintain school facilities, retain certified and support staff and cover operating expenses. If approved, the levy would increase to $3.3944 per $100 of assessed valuation for tax year 2026 and to $3.5838 per $100 of assessed valuation in 2027.

Voters in Bakersfield will also choose three trustees to serve two-year terms. Candidates include Diana C. Hamby, Kevin Sewell, Tina M. Miller and Tony C. Johnson.

Voters will also decide a question involving emergency medical services in the county. The Ozark County Ambulance District is asking voters to authorize a local use tax that would match the rate of the district’s existing sales tax. If approved, the use tax rate would automatically adjust if voters later change the district’s sales tax rate.

Several school board races will also appear on ballots. In the Gainesville R-V School District, voters will select three board members from a field that includes Jeff Lane, Marti Warden, Will Johnson, Ashley Hambelton, Laramie Johnson, Wes Uchtman, Heather Bushner and Amy Freeman.

In the Dora R-III School District, voters will choose board members for three-year terms with Jerry Moritz and Cass Martin on the ballot.

The Lutie R-VI School District will elect one board member to a two-year term between Ryan Garrison and Daniel Drury.

Countywide voters will also weigh a separate question asking whether Ozark County should implement a property tax credit program that would limit certain increases in property taxes on eligible homeowners’ primary residences.

OZARK COUNTY POLLING LOCATIONS

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