Perry County residents can already have their voices heard on several key issues.
The Absentee voting for the General Municipal Election is already in full swing. The process began on Feb. 20, for the election which will be held April 2.
The ballot includes a proposal of a half-cent sales tax countywide that will provide funding for a central dispatch of police, fire protection, including emergency telephone services and other services to remain locally provided by the county.
This issue has caused much controversy within residents in the county, so much so that a petition was created and approved to put the question on the ballot. The ballot initiative is in response to the Perry County Commission approving a contract to move the 911 dispatch service to St. Francios County. There is a buyout clause in the contract in case the tax passes.
The ballot also as an election for a spot on the Perry County Hospital Board of Trustees between Chris Francis and Gwen (Moore) Schweiss.
There are two spots open on the Perry County School Board of Education. The incumbents Kevin Bachmann and Mark Gremaud are joined by Melissa Hahn Carrol and Lindsey C. Unterreiner.
Mayor Larry Riney will run unopposed for the Mayoral position, along with Deanna Kline (Ward 1), and Clinton Rice (Ward 3). The Ward 2 race will run contested between Curt Buerck and Christopher M. Wilson.
The Village of Longtown Board of Trustees race will also run unopposed as James Hacker and Robert Leible are uncontested.
The same cannot be said for the Oak Ridge R-VI School District Board of Directors as there are two spots for three people. Andrew Seabuagh, Nathan Schilling, and Ethan Seimer will each be vying for a spot.
There is another proposition on the ballot regarding the Community College District of Mineral Area. The Board of Trustees of The Community College District of Mineral Area, Missouri, borrow money in the amount of $22,000,000 for the purpose of improving and furnishing District facilities, acquiring any land necessary therefor, refinancing lease purchase agreements, and enhancing energy efficiency through the acquisition and installation of solar panels, resulting in no estimated increase to the debt service property levy. If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the District is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.13 per $100 assessed valuation of real and personal property.
Absentee voting will be open at the Perry County Clerk’s office, located at 321 N. Main St. Suite, on April 1.
