OSAGE COUNTY — Voters across Osage County will head to the polls April 7 with a ballot that includes local races and several tax-related questions, led by property tax measures.

Candidate profiles published in this week’s edition were submitted directly by those seeking office. Any candidates not represented did not respond to the questionnaire.

Property tax initiatives

Two county-wide property tax questions appear on the ballot, each addressing tax relief in different ways.

Osage County Question 1 asks voters whether to exempt eligible taxpayers from certain increases in property taxes on their primary residence by limiting taxes to the amount owed in an initial “credit year.” If approved, qualifying homeowners would not pay property taxes above that baseline amount in future years, even if assessed values or tax rates rise. The measure would apply only to primary residences and would affect how future property tax increases are calculated for eligible taxpayers. This measure is commonly referred to as Senate Bill 3, and is not age-dependent.

The question reads, “Shall the county of Osage exempt eligible taxpayers from certain tax increases on eligible taxpayers’ primary residence above the liability incurred during the initial credit year?”

The second, Osage County Senior Property Tax Exemption Initiative, proposes freezing property taxes for qualifying residents aged 62 and older on their primary residence. To be eligible, individuals must meet age requirements, have ownership or a legal interest in the home, and be responsible for paying property taxes. If approved, a senior’s property tax bill would remain at the level set when the homeowner first qualifies. This question was brought to the ballot by a citizen petition.

The question reads, “Shall the County of Osage, Missouri exempts senior citizens aged 62 and older from increases in the property tax liability due on such seniors citizens’ primary residence? An eligible taxpayer shall show the following: valid proof of age equivalent to 62 years of age or older, is the owner of or has legal or equitable interest in a homestead; and is liable for the payment of real property taxes on such homestead. Property tax exemption shall be applied to all of the taxing authorities tax liability due on the primary residence. An eligible taxpayer’s property tax liability shall be frozen if this exemption is approved by voters.”

While both questions address limits on property tax increases, one applies only to senior citizens, while the other is not limited by age.

School district funding questions

Osage County R-I (Chamois) School District Proposition K.I.D.S. asks whether the Board of Education of the Osage County R-I School District may borrow $1,750,000 to fund heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements and, if funds remain, other repairs and improvements to district facilities. It also asks whether the district may issue general obligation bonds to repay that amount. The ballot states this would result in an estimated increase to the district’s debt service property tax levy of $0.6500 per $100 of assessed valuation, from $0.0000 to $0.6500.

Osage County R-II School District Tax Question asks whether the Board of Education of the Osage County R-II School District may increase the district’s operating tax levy ceiling to $3.25 per $100 of assessed valuation, based on the 2026 assessment. The ballot states the increase would be used for hiring a full-time school resource officer to serve all school facilities, meeting the minimum base salary requirement of $41,200 for certified teachers, funding corresponding wage increases for support staff, and covering operating expenses of the district. If approved, the operating tax levy is estimated to increase by $0.50 per $100 of assessed valuation.

The Gasconade County R-II School District Bond Question asks whether the Gasconade County R-II School District may issue $14,916,000 in general obligation bonds for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, renovating, furnishing, and equipping school facilities. The listed projects include constructing an addition at Owensville High School to connect the main building to the Ag building and add classroom space for band, choir, and drama; building a multipurpose room; renovating the weight room and locker rooms; converting the small gym into an auditorium; upgrading playground equipment at Owensville Elementary School; expanding the kitchen; and improving the front corridor at Gerald Elementary School. The ballot states the district’s debt service property tax levy is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.67 per $100 of assessed valuation if the measure is approved.

Other local tax questions

Voters are asked whether the Maries-Osage Ambulance District may increase its existing sales tax by an additional one-half percent, bringing the total sales tax to one percent, to fund ambulance district operations. The measure also authorizes the district to impose a use tax at the same rate, which would apply to certain out-of-state purchases, with the provision that the use tax would be adjusted if the sales tax rate is later changed by voter approval.

The village of Freeburg is asking voters whether to authorize a property tax of 50 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to provide funding for the support of the village.

City of Belle Proposition “A” asks voters whether to approve a one-half of one percent (0.5%) sales tax to be collected within the city. According to the ballot language, the revenue would be used “for the purpose of improving public safety,” though no specific programs or expenditures are detailed in the measure itself.

Local races

Several municipal and school board races will be decided, with only contested seats listed below.

In the City of Belle, voters will choose a mayor, with James “Pudd” Mitchell and Tracey Creswell on the ballot.

In the City of Chamois, Lacey Garrett and Shawn Mitchem are running for mayor. For two-year alderman at-large, Mercedes Durham and Darrell Chrisenberry are on the ballot. Two one-year aldermen will be elected by write-in.

In the City of Linn, voters will select a mayor between Michael Troesser and Dustin Flamm. For alderman Ward Two, Christopher Jaegers and Bill Wirtel are on the ballot.

The village of Argyle will select three trustees entirely by write-in.

School board races are also on the ballot across multiple districts.

Five candidates are listed for three open seats on the Osage County R-II School District Board of Education, each for a three-year term. The candidates are Matthew McCoy, Mitchell Branson, Shawn Strong, Alfred Brandt, and Jill Tschappler.

Eight candidates are listed for three open seats on the Osage County R-III School District Board of Education, each serving a three-year term. The candidates are Casey Helton, Travis Massman, Wayne Baumhoer, D.J. Schroeder, Joyce Weber, Karen Luebbering, Elizabeth Feltrop, and Nicole Bax.

Voters in the Gasconade County R-II School District will choose three members to serve three-year terms on the Board of Education. Five candidates are listed on the ballot: Glenn Ely, Jason Crowe, Racheal Mooney, Mitchell Henderson, and Kaylynne Niederer.