Ballot initiatives go before Nixa citizens next month concerning proposed improvements for the city and school district. KSMU’s Scott Harvey has more on the items, and other proposals facing Christian County voters.
http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/numerous-propositions-await-christian-county-voters-april_79924.mp3
The City of Nixa is requesting passage of a ½ cent capital improvement sales tax on April 8, which would generate more than $7.7 million over the next 10 years.
Jill Finney is the communications director for the city.
“A big part of the tax would go to a new community park at Northview and Gregg Road. That park includes about a mile and a half of walking trails. It also includes soccer, fields, [and] a community fishing lake,” Finney said.
The tax would also fund improvements to existing Rotary Park, dual left-hand turn lanes in every direction at the US 160 and Highway 14 intersection, and according to Finney, provide more connectivity throughout the community with an additional 4.5 miles of sidewalks.
“The increase would cost anyone who shopped in Nixa about one penny for every two dollars,” Finney said.
Another proposition in Christian County asks voters if Nixa Public Schools shall borrow $9.5 million for additions and renovations to the district. Earlier this year, Nixa posted a video detailing the bond initiative, noting that passage would help pay for the district’s share of a FEMA safe room grant.
“If these tornado safe rooms are constructed, it would bring the total occupancy of the tornado safe rooms in the district, including the safe rooms at Inman and Mathews, to almost 7,000 people,” according to video.
The bond issue will not result in a change to the current tax-levy rate, the district says. Additional improvements would include a new junior high commons area/lunch room, secure entrance, additional classroom space, and the remodeling of various classroom spaces, which officials say will reduce overcrowding at the school. These projects will finish the constructions started in the April 2012 bond issue.
In Sparta, voters will also decide on a capital improvements tax of ½ of one percent toward street and sidewalk construction and maintenance. The city is also asking if alcohol in excess of five percent by weight be sold by the drink for consumption on site.
Elsewhere throughout Christian County, additional tax levies are sought by the Billings Special Road District and Chadwick Rural Fire Protection District. The City of Ozark is asking voters if the mayor’s term should be changed from two to three years.
For a list of all April 8 ballots items for Christian County, visit the county clerks’ office website.
Related: See our report on the ballot items before Greene County voters in April.