VOTERS GUIDE: Mid-Missourians vote April 2 for school board, city council and more

Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the municipal election April 2.

No-excuse absentee voting is open now through April 1. Voters may cast their ballots between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at the Boone County Government Center.

The Boone County Clerk’s office is also holding in-person early voting drives from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 30 at Southern Boone County Public Library and Centralia Public Library.

Voters can find their polling precinct by checking their voter registration on the Secretary of State’s website or through a link on the Boone County clerk’s website under the Where Do I Vote? button.

State law requires voters to have a valid photo ID with an expiration date issued by either the federal government or the state of Missouri.

This means voters need to have either a Missouri driver’s or nondriver’s license, or a passport or other federal identification, such as a military ID.

Registered voters who do not have a valid ID will be able to vote using a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots will be reviewed by a bipartisan committee and will be counted if the signature on them matches the signature on the voter’s registration record.

Here's a breakdown of who and what is on the ballot in the municipal election: 

Columbia School Board

This year, three people are running for Columbia's School Board. Two seats will be open on the seven-person volunteer board. Terms are for three years. Here is a brief look at the candidates, in ballot order:

Jeanne Snodgrass is an incumbent running for her second term on the board. Snodgrass has served as executive director of Mizzou Hillel, a nonprofit Jewish campus organization, since 2013. She and her husband have two children in Columbia Public Schools. Snodgrass is focused on the funding ramifications of expanded school choice and the importance of equitable opportunities and resources across the district.

Alvin Cobbins is running for the School Board for the first time. He attended Hickman High School and the University of Missouri and has deep roots in Columbia. He settled permanently here 13 years ago. Cobbins is retired and volunteers with several organizations. He is focused on parental involvement, improved early childhood literacy rates and increased trust between families and the district.

John Potter is running for the School Board for the second time. He grew up in Columbia and attended Hickman High School. He works at Central Missouri Countertops and he and his wife have three children in Columbia Public Schools. Potter has focused his campaign on rebuilding an educational environment in schools by addressing behavioral issues in the classroom, removing the district’s Equity Department and giving parents the choice of where their students go to school.

Columbia City Council 

Voters in Columbia’s Second Ward will elect a new representative to the City Council. Betsy Peters is running unopposed to maintain her position as the Sixth Ward councilperson. First Ward voters will decide whether to recall Nick Knoth.

Second Ward

Lisa Meyer is a real estate agent and has lived in Columbia for nearly 20 years. Her top priorities include health and well-being as well as safety and infrastructure. Meyer said she aims to support policies or initiatives that can improve health and well-being in Columbia and to prioritize access to clean drinking water, quality food and parks and recreation for every resident.

Robert Schreiber III is a maintenance worker at MU and has been a member of the Laborers International Union of North America Local 955 union. Schreiber grew up in Englewood, a small community between Columbia and Ashland. Schreiber said his main goals include addressing affordable housing, public transportation and infrastructure. 

Lucio Bitoy IV is running for the Second Ward seat as a write-in candidate. He works with the Missouri Department of Social Services in Boone County. Bitoy has lived in Columbia since 2017. He aims to address the intersections of poverty, affordable housing, ecological restoration and ending disparities. 

First Ward recall election

Some Columbia residents decided to start a recall effort due to their concern that Knoth’s role as a state lobbyist for the real estate industry would be a conflict of interest for his responsibilities on the City Council.

He will be removed from the council if a majority of voters select "yes" on the ballot.

Knoth said he was proud of some of his work to expand affordable housing in the ward. He also said his knowledge of housing policy could help him while serving on the council.

Knoth was elected to the council in April 2023.

Senior property tax freeze

Proposition 1, if approved by voters, would freeze tax rates on property taxes for eligible seniors in Boone County. To qualify, people must be 62 years old or older. Eligible taxpayers must also own or have a legal or equitable interest in a residence and must be liable to pay real property taxes, according to the bill.

The exact wording on the ballot is, “Shall the County of Boone exempt senior citizens from certain increases in the property tax liability due on such senior citizens’ primary residence?”

Taxing entities, including school districts and municipalities in the county, have expressed concern about a loss in revenue.

If the referendum is passed, the Boone County Commission will “begin a public process of drafting a policy and addressing key aspects of the tax relief program.”

Other Boone County issues

The Southern Boone R-I School District has two issues on the ballot. 

Funding from an $11.6 million no-tax-increase bond issue would be dedicated to an expansion construction project addressing various needs at the high school, including a new vocational and agriculture department, roof repairs, parking lot improvements and additional classrooms.

Voters will also be asked to approve a 20-cent tax levy transfer to help retain and attract teachers and staff by increasing salaries.

The Cities of Centralia and Hallsville each have Proposition U, which asks voters to approve a local use tax at the same rate as the local sales tax rate.

Cole County

The Blair Oaks R-II School District has two issues on the ballot.

Proposition 2 is a no-tax-increase bond issue and asks to borrow $9.25 million to complete its second phase of construction at the high school, as well as other repairs in the district. 

Proposition 3 proposes a 30-cent increase in the operating levy in order to increase teacher and classified staff salaries in order to "recruit and retain quality staff," according to the district. 

More information on Blair Oak's propositions can be found here.

The Cole County R-V School District also has two issues on the ballot.

Proposition Supporting Students asks to borrow $2 million to help construct a new security entrance to the high school, renovate the elementary school's playground for accessibility, complete upgrades to classrooms and other improvements. 

Proposition Supporting Teachers is a 68-cent increase in the operating levy in order to retain and attract quality reachers and support staff, as well as meet the district's additional operating expenses. 

More information on Cole County R-V's propositions can be found here.

Jefferson City Council

First Ward

Incumbent council member Jack Deeken is seeking an additional term as the representative for Jefferson City's First Ward. Deeken is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired small business owner. The councilman was born and raised in Jefferson City and says infrastructure is one of his top priorities.

Randy Hoselton is challenging Deeken to represent the First Ward. Hoselton has previously served in the U.S. Army, and continues his service with the Missouri National Guard. Hoselton currently serves on the city's planning and zoning commission, and hopes to bring his military experience to enhance public safety.

Second Ward

Incumbent councilman Michael Lester is running unopposed to represent Jefferson City's Second Ward. Lester is a retired researcher and has served Jefferson City since 2020.

"We as a community must identify the important issues needing to be addressed, work together to develop solutions and take action to address those issues," Lester said in a statement on the council's website.

Third Ward

Amy Brix and Treaka Young are both running to take the open seat in Jefferson City's Third Ward from Erin Wiseman, who is ineligible to run again after reaching the eight-year term limit.

Brix is an economist and lifelong Jefferson City resident, having previously worked for the state. She currently serves as the vice president of Jefferson City Home Educators, a group of Christians that homeschool their children, and has previously served as the group's president. Brix says the focus of her campaign is public safety, infrastructure and economic growth.

Young is a project manager for the University of Missouri's Child Access Project and a doctoral candidate. She currently serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Directors for United Way of Central Missouri. Young says the focus of her campaign is to invest in the growth of Jefferson City through housing, infrastructure and working with community partners. 

Fourth Ward

Incumbent councilman Randall Wright is running for re-election to Jefferson City's Fourth Ward. Wright, a real estate broker, took over the seat in May after Ron Fitzwater was elected mayor. The incumbent says he plans to focus his campaign on public safety, infrastructure, public works projects and economic development.

Chris Leuckel, the president of Jefferson City's Parks and Rec Commission, is challenging Wright to represent the Fourth Ward. Leuckel is a claims specialist with the Social Security Administration. Leuckel says his campaign is prioritizing professionalism, public safety, transparent government, infrastructure and parks.

Fifth Ward

Mackenzie Job and Virginia Shetler are both running to represent the Fifth Ward after incumbent Jon Hensley announced in December that he would not seek re-election.

Job is a lifelong Jefferson City and the chair of the Environmental Quality Commission. Job, who operates a pet-sitting business, says her priorities are engaging the younger generation in local government and promoting the community as somewhere to live and visit.

Shelter serves as the legacy director of the Vitae Foundation, whose mission is to "make abortion unthinkable." Shelter has lived in mid-Missouri her entire life, and says her priorities are to promote economic prosperity, enhance public safety and foster a deeper sense of community across Jefferson City.

Callaway County

The City of Fulton proposes continuing a one-half of 1% sales tax, which would be used to fund capital improvements.

The City of Auxvasse proposes a city-wide tax of 3% on all adult-use marijuana sales. 

The City of New Bloomfield asks voters to approve a one-half of 1% sales tax for street repairs and public safety; asks voters to approve a local use tax imposed at the same rate as the total local sales tax rate; and asks voters to approve a one-half of 1% sales tax for public safety improvements. 

The Mexico School District's Proposition Paws for Progress is a no-tax-increase bond issue and asks to borrow $21 million to replace HVAC systems, roofing and fire alarm systems district-wide; construct, equip and furnish a new classroom addition; renovate the middle school kitchen; complete theatre upgrades; install field turf and tennis courts; renovate playgrounds and much more.

The Montgomery County R-II School District's Proposition K.I.D.S. is a $8 million no-tax-increase bond issue that will be used to replace HVAC systems; remodel classrooms; replace roofing; add a parking lot to the elementary school and more.

The New Bloomfield R-III School District's Proposition K.I.D.S. is a $5 million no-tax-increase bond issue that would provide funds to construct an addition to its agriculture building and to complete other improvements and repairs. 

The Wellsville-Middletown R-I's Proposition K.I.D.S. is a $2.7 million no-tax-increase bond issue that would provide funds to replace roofing, siding, and gutters at the elementary school; remove asbestos flooring at the high school; enhance safety and security at entryways; and other repairs. 

The North Callaway County R-1 School District has two issues on the ballot. 

Proposition C is a 25-cent increase in the operating levy that would be used to recruit and retain teachers, as well as improve facilities.

Proposition N is a $17 million no-tax-increase bond issue that would be used to construct a new middle school and consolidate Hatton-McCredie and Williamburg elementary schools into a new building, as well as other repairs. 

Fulton City Council

First Ward

Mike West and incumbent Valerie Sebacher are running for Fulton's First Ward. 

West is a former city council member of 16 years and has lived in Fulton for more than 40 years. He lost to Steve Myers in Fulton's mayoral race in 2023. 

Sebacher, who serves as deputy mayor, is seeking her third term. She is a former City of Fulton employee and previously served as executive director of the Fulton Housing Authority. She also served as a board member of SERVE and the Callaway Senior Center. 

Second Ward 

Mary Rehklau joined the Fulton City Council in 2010 and hopes to reclaim her seat. 

Third Ward 

Brad Leuther is seeking his second term as a Fulton City Council member. 

Fourth Ward

Dennis Houchins and incumbent Bob Washington are running for Fulton's Fourth Ward. 

Houchins is a building official for the City of Mexico, Missouri. He was formerly Fulton's current director of planning and protective services. KOMU 8 could not locate a photo of Houchins. 

Washington joined Fulton City Council in 2022 and hopes to keep his seat. 

Cooper County

Cooper County sample ballot

Cooper County's Proposition 1 asks voters to continue a one-half of 1% sales tax for four years, which will be used for county road improvements, including new bridges and culverts.

The Cities of Boonville and Pilot Grove asks voters to approve 3% city-wide taxes on all adult-use marijuana sales. 

The Boonville R-1 School District's Proposition 3 asks voters to approve a $10 million no-tax-increase bond issue to improve district facilities, upgrade safety measures, replace HVAC systems, and more. 

The Otterville R-6 School District asks voters to approve a no-tax-increase $1.7 million bond issue that would be used to improve and renovate HVAC systems and roofing, improve playgrounds and buy new school buses. 

Audrain County

The Mexico School District's Proposition Paws for Progress is a no-tax-increase bond issue and asks to borrow $21 million to replace HVAC systems, roofing and fire alarm systems district-wide; construct, equip and furnish a new classroom addition; renovate the middle school kitchen; complete theatre upgrades; install field turf and tennis courts; renovate playgrounds and much more.

Howard County

The New Franklin R-I School District is seeking to borrow $2 million through Proposition K.I.D.S., a no-tax-increase bond issue, to complete repair projects and improve campus facilities across the district.

Below is a list of projects the proposition will help fund:

• Tuck pointing at the high school
• Repairs on the elementary school and middle school roofs
• Replacing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems at the middle school
• Renovating the existing district kitchen
• Completing safety and facility upgrades district-wide

If the proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the School District is estimated to remain unchanged at 82.3¢ per $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

Osage County

Osage County R-II Schools is seeking to issue a $9.5 million no-tax-increase bond, to be listed on ballots as Proposition W, to improve and construct campus facilities.

If approved, the district will construct a new building, allowing middle school students to be removed from the basement of the fieldhouse. The fieldhouse would also receive a new air condition system, as part of improvements to its athletics facilities. Osage County R-II also intends to make safety and security improvements at the elementary school, along with upgrades to the playground equipment.

The tax levy will remain unchanged at $1.05 per $100 of real and personal property.

Morgan County

The City of Laurie is seeking to impose a half-cent sales tax in order to provide funding for Laurie City park.

Similarly, Stover is seeking to impose a half-cent sales tax for the next five years to fund local parks.

Voters in Versailles will determine whether to increase its fire department sales-tax from ¼-of-a-cent to a half-cent.

Miller County

Miller County voters are asked to vote for or against a new county sales tax order. The .125% tax would be used for the creation of Grand Auglaize Bridge Park in order to preserve the historic Brumley Swinging Bridge. If approved, the tax would be set to expire after four years.

St. Elizabeth R-IV is seeking a tax levy in order to complete its first major construction project since 2000. Voters can approve a 99¢ tax increase (per $100 of assessed valuation) to help fund the construction of a full-size gymnasium.

The district has already secured $3 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as the gymnasium will also double as a school storm shelter. If approved, school taxes would rise to $4.984 until tax year 2043.

The cost of fire protection and ambulance services in the Lake Ozark Fire Protection District could soon be shared by the region's visitors. Ballot measures will ask voters whether to impose two, half-cent sales taxes for the fire protection district's operation.

One of the measures is dedicated specifically for ambulance services, while the other is for fire protection. If approved, the district will reduce annual property taxes in the district by an amount equal to 50%t of the revenue generated by the two sales taxes.

Proposition U in Osage Beach will ask voters whether a local use tax should be imposed for the operation of the city's park and recreation department. If approved, the use tax will be tied to the city's sales tax rate (currently 2%) and increase or decrease alongside any future action to the sales tax.

Eldon is seeking voter approval through Proposition A to issue a $15 million bond for operation, maintenance, improvement and expansion of the city's waterworks system.

Proposition B in Eldon, if approved, would impose a half-percent sales tax in order to fund the operation of its fire department.

Montgomery County

The Montgomery County R-II School District's Proposition K.I.D.S. is a $8 million no-tax-increase bond issue that will be used to replace HVAC systems; remodel classrooms; replace roofing; add a parking lot to the elementary school and more.

The Wellsville-Middletown R-I's Proposition K.I.D.S. is a $2.7 million no-tax-increase bond issue that would provide funds to replace roofing, siding, and gutters at the elementary school; remove asbestos flooring at the high school; enhance safety and security at entryways; and other repairs.