Voters approve Ozark School District tax levy transfer

Christian County voters yesterday gave the green light to a tax levy transfer placed on the ballot by the Ozark School District.

The measure received 67.8% approval, or 836 votes, according to unofficial election results posted last night by the Christian County clerk's office.

In announcing the ballot measure in May, Ozark School District officials said the overall tax levy of $4.14 would remain unchanged – as it has since 2003 – but ballot-box approval would mean moving 20 cents per $100 of assessed valuation from the debt service fund into the operating fund. The move is expected to increase the operating fund by $1.5 million. 

District officials have said the tax transfer would help offset rising operating costs, including pay increases for district employees.

"With this decision, we'll be able to attract and retain the best teachers in southwest Missouri," Ozark School District Superintendent Lori Wilson said in a statement provided this morning to Springfield Business Journal. "We will continue to have the high-quality programs that your children deserve."

The Aug. 5 special election in Christian County had a nearly 4.2% voter turnout, according to the Christian County clerk's office.