2025 November election: Big questions on the ballot in Hallsville, Jefferson City
Matthew Sanders
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A November ballot in an odd-numbered year is usually pretty thin.
But this year, if you live in Hallsville, you have the chance to decide on three big questions:
The first is whether the Hallsville School District should continue its four-day week for another 10 years. The district has used the abbreviated week for a few years to save costs and help attract and retain teachers.
The district also wants to borrow $6.5 million to improve buildings and infrastructure, including a multi-use sports field. Voters approved the same bond issue 832-282 back in April, but State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick refused to certify the result, citing issues with how the notice of election was posted.
And City of Hallsville residents will decide whether to levy a use tax that’s the same rate as the city’s sales tax. Use taxes are charged on items bought elsewhere, such as online. The total sales tax in Hallsville is 8.6%.
Jefferson City lodging tax
Jefferson City leaders want to see voters approve an extension of a 7% tax on hotel and motel rooms and short-term rentals. Voters first approved the tax in 2011, lasting until 2035.
Tuesday’s ballot asks Jefferson City voters to extend the 7% tax through 2060. The city uses 4% of the tax to help fund its plan to build a hotel and conference center, and a lawsuit has been filed over the tax ahead of the election.
Other ballot issues
Voters in the Macks Creek School District will vote on a $1.5 million bond issue to pay for repairs and renovations, including the kitchen, cafeteria and gymnasium. The money will also be used for asbestos abatement. The bond issue would not increase the district debt levy.
Fayette voters will decide whether to change from an elected city marshal to an appointed police chief.
Morgan County R-1 wants to raise its operating tax levy by 63 cents per $100 of assessed value to help with repairs and renovations. The increase would sunset after 20 years.
State Fair Community College is asking voters in Petties, Morgan, Cooper and Benton counties to increase its operating tax levy by 10 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Maries County voters will decide whether to implement a 1-cent sales tax to pay for emergency dispatching. The tax would replace a 15% tax on landline phones.
The City of Marceline in Chariton County hopes voters will approve a $30 million bond issue to improve the combined water and sewer system. The bonds would be retired through user fees.