The Ozark Chamber of Commerce supports legislation that is good for Ozark businesses. Per the bylaws of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce, a local ballot question must be approved by the Legislative Affairs Committee, the Board of Directors, and the Membership at large in order for the organization to publicly support it.
Voting Information
2020
August 4, 2020
Christian County Primary Election
June 2, 2020
Chamber Endorsed Ballot Issues
UPDATE: The election date has been moved to JUNE 2, 2020. CLICK HERE to view a joint press release of endorsement from the Ozark Chamber, Show Me Christian County, and the Love Ozark PAC.
What is a local use tax?
A local use tax is a local tax applied to out-of-state purchases made online. Under the current system, when an Ozark resident purchases an item online, 0% of that sale goes to the City of Ozark to support public services residents use on a daily basis.
What is the local sales tax rate, and what would the online sales tax rate be?
If you shop locally, you currently pay a 2.375% local sales tax. Assuming this ballot issue passes, when you shop online, you would pay a 2.375% local use tax.
Why is this good for local businesses?
Out-of-state businesses currently don’t pay any sales tax to our city when an Ozark resident purchases an item online. The current system disproportionately benefits large out-of-state corporations, and is unfair to local Ozark businesses.
Do neighboring towns have a use tax?
Yes. Missouri residents are realizing that online sales will only continue to increase and legislation needs to be put in place to keep up. Several neighboring cities, including Nixa, Springfield, and Willard, have local use taxes for online sales.
Will this raise the sales tax on items I purchase in town?
No. The local sales tax rate will not change if this ballot issue is passed. If passed, a 2.375% sales tax will be applied to online sales from out-of-state businesses only.
Is the City of Ozark advocating for the local use tax?
No. The City of Ozark provides impartial information about upcoming ballot issues. The Ozark Chamber of Commerce, per its bylaws, has voted to advocate for a local use tax.
QUESTION: Shall the City of Ozark, Missouri, impose a local use tax at the same rate, currently 2.375%, provided that if the local sales tax rate is reduced or raised by voter approval, the local use tax rate shall also be reduced or raised by the same action.
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
If you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite ‘YES’. If you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite ‘NO’.
NEW DATE: The election has been postponed from April 7th to JUNE 2, 2020. For voting questions, please contact the Christian County Clerk’s office here.
UPDATE: The election date has been moved to JUNE 2, 2020.
Question: Shall Ozark R-VI School District issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $26,500,000 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, repairing, renovating, furnishing and equipping school sites and facilities, including renovating the Ozark Innovation Center, remodeling and repurposing the District Office for early childhood learning and acquiring property currently leased by the District?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
If you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite ‘YES’. If you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite ‘NO’.
NEW DATE: The election has been postponed from April 7th to JUNE 2, 2020. For voting questions, please contact the Christian County Clerk’s office here.