In less than a week, Barry County voters will have their say on numerous local races and issues, as well as a few prominent constitutional amendments — all of which have the potential of maintaining or altering the future paths of our county and state.

County-wise, the prosecuting attorney and presiding commissioner races will no doubt be on the forefront of the voters’ minds. I hope that through our 24 prosecutor questions and 21 presiding commissioner questions over the last five weeks in print and the Barry County Candidates Forum that the Democrat has provided the kind of information voters can use to make their decisions on Tuesday.

Other local issues include a $4.5 million bond question for the Central Crossing Fire Protection District, a $5 million bond question for the city of Butterfield’s sewer system (a second attempt after an identical proposal failed by 21 votes to 18 in April), and a 1% sales tax proposal for the Seligman Fire Protection District for equipment, training and operations.

While there is a story in this week’s issue on Central Crossing’s question, I regret to have not gotten to the Butterfield or Seligman fire questions in print. Individual follow-up stories on those should be in order.

In recent weeks, multiple requests have been made to analyze the four state amendments, so I hope the following breakdown might be of guidance.

Amendment 2 deals with the Jackson County assessor position, with a yes vote requiring an election instead of appointment. Jackson County passed a measure in 2024 amending its county charter to require an assessor election, so a yes vote would simply alter the state Constitution to remove that county’s exemption in the Constitution to cement an assessor election. It has zero effect on Barry County.

Amendments 1, 4 and 5, however, have far further-reaching implications for the state. I only have so much space here, so I hope to give as much insight as succinctly as possible.

Amendment 1 would renew the 0.1% sales and use tax for parks, soil and water. The tax, already in place and up for renewal every 10 years, funds the state parks and historic sites, as well as soil and water conservation programs.

Voting yes on the tax would keep that funding as-is, and a no vote would allow the tax to expire, forcing parks, soil and water to compete for funding within the framework of the regular state budget.

Given the state of the budget in recent years, it seems risky to throw parks, soil and water at the mercy of the legislative budget process versus having a dedicated funding mechanism. 

Cassville Democrat reporter Sheila Harris wrote a more in-depth opinion piece on this amendment in the May 26 edition laying out the local implications (https://tinyurl.com/mu4sy4hr). In short, a yes vote would continue funding as-is for Roaring River State Park, but it will also may benefit farmers who land-apply industrial sludge that could have an effect on said park. “Swallowing a horse pill” is an apt metaphor.

Sheila also addressed Amendments 4 and 5 on July 14 (https://tinyurl.com/bdt6bpy5), which is worth a read.

Amendment 4 would require future citizen-initiated Constitutional amendments to receive a statewide majority and majority approval in each of the eight Congressional districts to pass, among other provisions. Citizen-initiated amendments have been under attack in recent years, especially following the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, Medicaid expansion and abortion rights. It’s an attempt to tighten Missouri citizens’ ability to pass amendments, and seems more about party politics than the rights of the people to craft their own future for the state.

If you think there is a problem with initiative petitions, vote yes; and if you like the process as-is, vote no.

Finally, Amendment 5 would overhaul the state’s tax system by phasing out the individual income tax and replace funding with expanded sales tax. As with any change, there are pros and cons. 

States without income tax, like Texas, Florida and Tennessee, have experienced strong population growth and economic growth in recent years. However, heavier sales taxes will likely hit low- and middle-income earners the hardest, and Barry County ranks in the lower-middle among counties when it comes to average income.

In short, it’s a long road to haul that could have dramatic effects on state funding of programs — like education, healthcare and public safety. If it passes and Missouri does not see substantial economic growth, the future would look dire. Sure seems like a lot of eggs to put in a fragile basket, and only time will tell if that basket holds.

Wherever you fall on any of the candidates or issues in this election, the main advice I have is go vote. If you don’t cast a ballot, you don’t get to rejoice or complain in the future of our county and state.

See you at the polls!

Kyle Troutman has served as editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014 and owner/publisher since 2023. He is a three-time ISWNE Golden Dozen award winner. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or [email protected].