The April 4 municipal elections are drawing closer.
One of the more interesting aspects of Tuesday's election are the number of possibilities for write-in candidates to actually take office in Moniteau County. Another is several school board elections with numerous candidates on the ballot, especially Tipton (seven candidates) and Latham (five candidates).
At least partially because of those races, Moniteau County Clerk Roberta Elliott expects a turnout of about 40 percent.
When there is a position for which no candidate has filed, that office will go to the write-in candidate with the most votes for the race.
Clarksburg tops the list for possibilities for write-in candidates, since no one filed for candidacy for the offices of mayor, North Ward alderman or South Ward alderman.
Jamestown is second on the list, since no one filed for the mayoral race.
Even the city of Tipton and the Prairie Home R-5 School Board race did not escape the "no filing" problem.
In the election for the City of Tipton, no one filed for the West Ward alderman seat. Prairie Home has three positions up on the school board, with only two candidates on the ballot.
Candidates who did file for offices up for election follow.
Tipton
Mayor: Incumbent Jennifer Cary is up against challenger John Hineman.
East Ward alderman, a two year term: Don Basinger.
City marshall, a four-year term: Incumbent Edward Wiecken.
City collector, a four-year term: Incumbent Marna Williams.
California
Mayor, a two-year term: Incumbent Norris G. Gerhart is facing off with challenger Charlie Roll.
Ward 1 alderman, a two-year term: Incumbent Ron Baker.
Ward 2 alderman, a two year term: Darryl Elliott.
Ward 3 alderman, a two-year term: Lanny Ash.
Lupus
Mayor: Dyno Don Perry.
City clerk: James Denny.
Street commissioner: Sue Denny.
Constable: Mike Carraher.
Board member: Chrissy Fischer.
School boards
California R-I School Board: Four candidates are on the ballot for the three seats up for election. Those who have filed for the three-year terms are: incumbents Craig Ash, Philip Burger and Joe Kirby, and challenger Michael Irey.
Tipton R-6 School Board: Seven candidates are seeking the three seats up for election. Those who have filed for the three-year terms are: Clinton (Clint) C. Miller, Sarah Bestgen, Nancy L. Bookout, Jason Hays, Patsy Reed, Kent Fischer and Craig Wolf.
Latham R-5 School Board: Five candidates are on the ballot for the three seats up for election. Those who have filed for the three-year terms are: Morgan Fulks, Donna A. Higgins, Amanda Bolinger, Bobby D. Medlin and Delton Rissler.
Prairie Home R-5 School Board: Two candidates are on the ballot for the three seats up for election. Those who have filed for the three-year terms are: Tammy Brandes and Marsha Stewart; the third seat will be filled by write-in vote.
Ballot issues
One city, Clarksburg, has an issue on the ballot, and one school district, Cole County R-I, Russellville, has two issues before the voters.
City of Clarksburg Proposition A: Shall the City of Clarksburg impose a business tax on all electric, gas, telecommunication, internet, cable and other public utilities doing business in the city equal to 6 percent of annual gross receipts?
Cole County R-I School District Proposition A: Shall the Board of Education of the Cole County R-I School District, Missouri, be authorized to increase the operating tax levy ceiling to $3.76 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation in order to provide additional funds to better maintain its facilities, and to meet other operating needs of the District?
(If this proposition is approved, the adjusted operating levy of the School District is estimated to increase by $0.50 from $3.2612, currently, to $3.76 per $100 of assessed valuation of the 2017 tax year and will be applied to the assessed valuation for each year thereafter.)
Cole County R-I School District Proposition Care: Shall the Board of Education of the Cole County R-I School District, without an estimated increase in the current debt service property tax levy, issue $2 million of general obligation bonds for the purpose of providing funds to improve district facilities including, without limitation, the re-cabling of the technology network at both buildings and construction of separate server rooms; renovation of the elementary cafeteria and roof replacement; remodeling restrooms at the elementary and high school; construction a handicapped ramp in the elementary school hallway; completion of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system improvements to the elementary school; and to the extent funds are available, complete other repairs and improvements to the existing facilities of the district? (If this proposition is approved the adjusted debt service levy of the school district is estimated to remain unchanged at $0.9500 per $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property.)