Stoddard County voters OK 911 sales tax

Stoddard County voters approved a 911 sales tax with 75 percent of the vote Tuesday — 3,270 “yes” votes to 1,044 “no” votes.

The initiative creates a 3/16th-cent tax increase that goes to fund Stoddard County’s 911 communication services, the equivalent of 19 cents on a $100 purchase.

Administrator Carol Moreland said an equipment upgrade is necessary in 2017, but Stoddard County had experienced declining revenue from a landlines tax — down about $150,000 from 1995 — because so many people now use only cellphones.

Stoddard County 911 services also are financially responsible for replacing road signs and providing map booklets for emergency responders.

In other races, Ryan Schrader defeated William Woodard for Advance alderman in Ward 1. Schrader received 80.13 percent of the vote, with 121 votes. Schrader replaces his father, Randy, who stepped down from the board.

Carol Blanton was elected in Ward 2 in an uncontested race.

Todd Ritter and Joshua J. Johnson were elected to the Advance School Board. Ritter received 39.31 percent of the vote, with 331 votes, Johnson received 32.30 percent of the vote, with 272 votes, and challenger David E. Kennedy received 24.94 percent of the vote, with 210 votes.

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