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Christian County Library & Community Update
Library Board Update: The Christian County Library Board has welcomed new board members who are committed to protecting children in our county. We would like to express our gratitude to the Commissioners for fulfilling their responsibility of interviewing candidates for boards that impact our community. In doing so, they selected four excellent board members who are attentive to the concerns of the county.
A new Library Executive Director will soon be chosen by the current Board. For job qualifications and to apply, please visit HERE.
In a recent meeting with Library staff in February, the Library Board was made aware of a $700,000 bond due in 2028, a situation where the previous Executive Director made no provisions in the library’s budget.
Ozark School Board Update: Wade Wheeler, Ozark School Board candidate, provided an update regarding the recent “appointment” of a new Ozark School Board member. A sitting board member resigned in December, and the current board members selected someone to fill the seat until April 2026. However, they did not adhere to the legal requirement to place the position on the ballot for April 2025.
Further concerns arose when it was revealed that the previous board member requested a property tax waiver from Christian County, effective April 2024. Additionally, his children did not attend Ozark Public Schools in the fall of 2024, but instead enrolled in schools in Florida. It appears the board is relying on legal counsel to avoid addressing these matters publicly.
Ozark School Board member Christina Tonsing made a motion to allow voters to decide who represents them on the board. Unfortunately, no other current Ozark school board members seconded the motion.
When did the current board members become aware of Guy Calloway's move, and why were they unwilling to allow the voters to decide who represents them on the Ozark School Board?
Christina Tonsing also made a motion to add a school policy clarifying gender identity as male or female, but once again, no board member would second the motion.
HERE is a link to the Special Board Meeting to discuss the replacement.
Christian County Commissioner Johnny Williams’ Update: Johnny Williams, newly elected Western Commissioner of Christian County, was our guest speaker. Commissioner Williams is committed to transparency in the county and welcomes input from constituents. As a father of three, he balances a busy life while being involved with the legislative committee for Nixa Public Schools.
One issue he discussed was online sales tax, which currently does not generate revenue for the county. Citizens do not pay taxes on goods purchased online, resulting in lost revenue. This issue will be brought to voters for consideration.
Additionally, the Eastern district has a higher road tax compared to the Western district, with several dollars more per person. Commissioner Williams is dedicated to being a good steward of county finances.
SB190: This bill freezes property taxes for seniors in Christian County. Many senior citizens in the county have taken advantage of this valuable program, which was made possible by the hard work and cooperation of our elected officials. The link to apply for the tax credit is HERE.
Bridge Projects: Three bridge projects are currently underway in the county, though two have not yet started. Hawkins Bridge, which was slated for repair under federal funding, is still being discussed. Commissioner Williams is open to conversations about bridge repair solutions.
County Attorney Decision: The Commissioners have decided to hire a county attorney rather than use a consulting firm. This move is intended to reduce legal costs and avoid delays in receiving legal advice.
Budget Update: 78% of the county's budget comes from sales tax. To address potential budget shortfalls, there is discussion about either cutting services or raising the levy. Additionally, the county purchased 39.5 acres off Highway 14, and there are plans to build a medical clinic that will serve only county employees to help reduce their healthcare costs.
Christian County currently has nine different boards, and Commissioner Morris is working on compiling a list of these.
Emergency Plans: Mandy Armitage Yoder, who was present at the meeting, confirmed that the county does have an emergency plan in place for catastrophic natural disasters. EMS also has an emergency plan for county-wide disasters.
Planning and Zoning: There are ongoing discussions about the Planning and Zoning Board’s role in issuing building permits and strategizing infrastructure needs like sewer systems, water, and schools. The cities within the county have their own planning and zoning boards.
Next Meeting: The next WTP Christian County meeting will be on March 3rd, 6PM at the Baked Bean! Click here to follow the Baked Bean and be sure to stop in a grab a hot drink and a delicious dessert.
IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER WE WILL POST UPDATES ON WTPCC.ORG and THE FACEBOOK GROUP.
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