OSAGE COUNTY — Though a majority of Chamois R-1 voters said yes (105-87) to the district’s K.I.D.S. ballot measure to borrow $1,750,000 to fund heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements and, if funds remain, to make other repairs and improvements to district facilities, it wasn’t enough to meet the threshold for passage.

According to unofficial returns, the measure passed by a 54.69% majority, but the district needed 57% to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds.

“It is very disappointing,” said Board President Steve Cramer. “I understand people don’t want to pay higher taxes, but we have to have reliable heat for our students. This is our second attempt, and both times it has passed by a simple majority, but not by the percentage needed. As a school, board, and community, we are going to have to figure out a way to make this happen.”

Superintendent Lyle Best added that a 54% approval rating is still a good sign, despite the disappointment in two straight elections. “I think the 54% approval we did receive shows strong community support for the district,” he said,  agreeing that HVAC and other facility improvements to the school’s aging infrastructure systems are expensive. “We are appreciative of the continued support from the community, and their recognition of how important these facility needs are. Heating, cooling, electrical, safety, and so on, are basic needs to meet for the students and staff, and we are grateful that a majority of the voters recognize the importance of meeting those needs. With that support, we will continue to discuss ways to fix the problems that are not going away.”

Returning board members were elected without opposition: Rebecca Mehmert (162), Steve Cramer (161), and Kelby Busch (160).

• In the Linn R-2 district, a request for a tax levy increase narrowly failed, 456-452. A separate story appears this week on the district’s plans.

• In the five-way race for three Linn R-2 board seats, Jill Tschappler carried the vote with 656, Alfred Brandt garnered 589, and Mitchell Branson earned 518 votes, followed by Matthew McCoy (333) and Shawn Strong (266).

• In a decision that came down to a narrow margin, 42-32 against, Freeburg’s proposed property tax of 50 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to provide funding for the support of the village failed. “This tax would have funded much-needed infrastructure improvements and day-to-day services,” said Mayor Darryl Haller. “With its defeat, the community will need to be mindful of spending and tightening the belt a bit when it comes to those extra expenses. It’s a moment for reflection and community dialogue on what our priorities are moving forward.”

• In the Freeburg trustees’ race, Bradley Wieberg earned 63 votes, and Jamie Kaesik finished with 61.

• Travis Massman led the ballot for a Fatima R-3 board seat with 477 votes, as Karen Luebbering claimed 448, and D.J. Schroeder finished with 365. In fourth place was Elizabeth Feltrop with 293, followed by Joyce Weber (249), Nicole Bax (239), Casey Helton (266), and Wayne Baumhoer (222).

• Voters approved Maries-Osage Ambulance District’s request for an additional one-half percent increase, 233-167.

• Shawn Mitchem was elected Chamois mayor after he defeated Lacey Garrett, 44-36. In the race for alderman, Mercedes Durham received  61 votes, and Darrell Chrisenberry had 57.

• At Linn, Michael Troesser was elected as mayor with a 127-101 margin of victory over Dustin Flamm (101). In the Ward II race, Christopher Jaegers defeated Bill Wirtel, 94-49.

• Osage County voters approved Senate Bill 3, 1,255-864, and the associated question asking whether senior citizens should be exempt from an increase in property tax liability passed 1,595-555. An in-depth look at how this will impact the county will be presented next week.