OSAGE COUNTY — Osage County voters in the Linn R-2 school district approved a tax levy increase of 50 cents, from $2.75 to $3.25 per $100 of assessed valuation by an 859-654 vote, according to unofficial returns.

Superintendent Bob James said the results show increased support for the measure after efforts were made to provide more information.

“This was truly a situation where people talked to their neighbor, and we had public forums to explain everything,” said James. “I also believe the tax committee did a nice job of helping the school get the message out to the community.”

Linn R-2 Tax Levy Committee member Dr. Shawn Strong said he appreciates the support. “The committee was happy to advocate for the levy increase in a way the school district could not,” he said. “We offered a lot of information and worked closely with the school to make sure the message was consistent. Thank you to everyone who supported this tax levy increase.”

James thanked the committee for its efforts. “I’m very grateful that these community members stepped up to help,” he said. “I don’t believe we would have been successful without them.”

With the approval, the district anticipates generating approximately $489,000 annually to help meet Missouri’s new minimum teacher salary requirements, provide corresponding increases for support staff, and cover other operating expenses directly associated with the salary increases.

James appreciates the vote of confidence from district patrons and is considering the best way to proceed.

“There’s a difference between an expense and an investment,” he said. “The community will know in a year how we’re stewarding the additional revenue. We will do everything we can to make sure that our spending reflects the reason we asked for it, and that what we spend invests in our people and our community.”

Senate Bill 727 requires Missouri school districts to establish a minimum certified teacher salary of $40,000. Linn’s current base salary is $37,000, and James planned to present a plan on Tuesday of this week to board members about how best to structure teacher raises.

A full breakdown of that discussion will be presented next week.

“Right now, we’re ready to work,” he said. “This will be a tough year, but I’m confident we will get it done right. This is the first time in school history that a tax levy increase has been approved, and we are going to honor the faith the community has in the district.”

Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin defeated challenger John Glavin, 1,952-1,249, and will begin his third term in January. Griffin thanked the citizens of Osage County for their vote, support, and trust. “I promise to be a good steward of their tax dollars, and to make Osage county a place to be proud of and safe to raise your families,” he said, inviting the public to attend commission meetings or call him anytime to discuss any issues.

Constitutional amendments were split among local voters, who supported No. 1 — tax renewal for soil and water conservation and state parks (3,000-1,135) and No. 2 — Jackson County assessor (2,928-1,116), and rejected No. 4 — initiative petitions (3,305-850), and No. 4 — income tax phase-out (3,675-487).

REPUBLICAN RACES

State Auditor: Scott Fitzpatrick (2,850) and Gerald (Jerry) Wistrand, Jr.  (298)

US Rep. 5th District: Brad Patty (373), Brett Hueffmeier (303), Taylor Burks (896), Rick Brattin (1,336), Berton A. Knox (49), and Micah Beebe (49)

State Sen. District 26: Ben Brown (2,756)

State Rep. District 61: John Grady (1,003) and Bruce Sassmann (2,282)

Associate Circuit Judge: Sonya Brandt (2,996)

Circuit Court Clerk: Maryann Jacquin (2,973)

County Commission Clerk: Brooke Dudenhoeffer (2,968)

Recorder of Deeds: Carrie A. Muenks (2,982)

Prosecuting Attorney: Amanda Grellner (3,016)

Collector of Revenue: Denise Nolte (3,018)

Treasurer: Valerie Prater (2,817)

Washington Township Committeeman: Paul G. Stratman (579) and Larry Kliethermes (284)

DEMOCRAT RACES

State Auditor: Quentin Wilson (280) and Gregory Upchurch (150)

US Rep. 5th District: Emanuel Cleaver, II (426)

State Sen. District 26: Vicky Wors (417)

State Rep. District 61: Stacy Bax (463)

Recorder of Deeds: Vickie Huckstep (432)

LIBERTARIAN RACES

State Auditor: Dustin Coffell (22)

US Rep. 5th District: Randall (Randy) Lengkraehr (19)