Ozark schools taking first steps toward tax referendum

OZARK – Ozark City Schools Superintendent Mike Lenhart is expected to begin the process this week toward an ad valorem tax referendum that will go to building new schools.

Yes, schools.

School board members unanimously approved Lenhart sending a letter to the Ozark City Council asking them to sign a resolution for a 10-mill tax increase.

The increase could amount to about $800,000 in additional tax money from the city for the schools. Ozark currently gives 14 mills.

Lenhart said state Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, said he would introduce the legislation for a referendum, and that a local vote could possibly take place in a special election.

If voted for, Lenhart said his hopes would be to secure enough funds to build a new high school and then build up a savings account, or construction fund, for a new middle school.

“We know this is not enough to build all of a new high school but we feel this is enough tax burden on the citizens of the city. Any money we can get will lessen the burden we have to come up with,” Lenhart said.

“While there has been debate over where to build a high school, no one has come to me and said we don’t need one.”

Sally Howell, of the Association of School Boards, told board members it is essential to begin a campaign in support of a referendum and a “Yes” vote for the tax increase.

A referendum held in 2004 for an 8-mill increase for the schools failed in Ozark.

“Only 49 percent of 128 referendums have passed … but it can be done …,” she said.

“Go from door to door, get out of your immediate group of contacts and get support.”

Howell said most of the tax base in a city is not made up of parents of students in the city schools.